A PhD student at the University of Benin, Edo State, Eghosa Igbinosa, who built a lightweight truck for conveying goods from locally-sourced materials, tells GODFREY GEORGE how he was able to do so.
You recently built a lightweight vehicle as part of your PhD requirement. What really inspired the project?
I have always wanted to find solutions to problems in my immediate environment. In a world of fast-developing countries, there is a need for improvement in the manufacturing processes and agricultural production methods. This will lead to an increased volume of goods to be transported. In many Nigerian cities where the use of tricycles is prevalent, you will discover that these tricycles, which were originally meant to convey human passengers, are now being converted to unsafe cargo or utility vehicles to transport goods. This is done by extending its longitudinal length or rear overhang far beyond the rear wheel of the tricycle and building a carriage facility on the roof of the tricycle, making it laterally stable.
This act of reconstructing the vehicle to attempt to serve the purpose of transporting goods is an indication that there is a level of inadequacy in transportation needs for a large group of people such as traders, small and medium scale business owners and local farmers.
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Transportation, being so vital to the development of any nation, it became very imperative for me to develop a local utility vehicle using locally-sourced materials and technology.
What were some of the challenges you faced building this mini-truck and how did you get the funds to do this?
I encountered a lot of challenges while working on the project, including the unavailability of the right equipment required for design and fabrication of the vehicle and its components.
The project was 100 per cent privately funded by me. The expenditure on the development of the utility vehicle includes the procurement of all the basic workshop tools needed for construction, materials for the fabrication of the vehicle parts, the tooling cost in producing simple jigs and fixtures, and, of course, the cost of running the power generator and providing logistics while working on the project.
How long did it take for you to finish the project?
It took about 36 months to complete the vehicle. This includes the development and construction. I spent that long mostly due to the fact that construction works were done only on weekends. I am sure it may have taken less time to complete the fabrication of the vehicle if its construction works were done daily.
Were all the components of the vehicle sourced locally?
The lightweight utility vehicle was largely produced from 67 per cent original, locally-manufactured automobile components.
The original components locally-produced for the manufacturing of the utility vehicle include the entire body (cabin, doors and cargo bay) of the vehicle, chassis, the suspension and wheel assembly (spindles, hubs, knuckles, lower control arms) components , dashboard, seats, etc.
Modified existing automobile parts used in the vehicle make about 13 per cent of the vehicle components. These include the rack and pinion steering box and column, windscreen, door glass, door key mechanism, instrument cluster unit, etc. Therefore, 80 per cent of the components of the vehicle were locally made. However, an estimated 20 per cent of the vehicle parts were sourced from donor vehicles and used directly. These parts include the engine/gear box bearings, axle, etc.
Modified existing automobile parts used in the vehicle make about 13 per cent of the vehicle components. These include the rack and pinion steering box and column, windscreen, door glass, door key mechanism, instrument cluster unit, etc. Therefore, 80 per cent of the components of the vehicle were locally made. However, an estimated 20 per cent of the vehicle parts were sourced from donor vehicles and used directly. These parts include the engine/gear box bearings, axle, etc.
How much did you spend from start to finish and how did you source the funds?
The sum of N1.2m was spent on the vehicle development and the fund was from my personal savings
How has the reception been?
From the comments I have read on some of the publications on the work, I can say that the reception has been great. Very many people are excited and have accepted the utility vehicle as a Nigerian-made vehicle and they wish the utility vehicle can be mass-produced immediately. I am encouraged and happy about the development. (All) glory be to God!
What is the capacity of this vehicle?
The lightweight (600kg) utility vehicle has maximum load capacity of one ton (1,000kg) and designed top speed of 75 km/hr.
Due to the geometric dimensions of the vehicle, the wheel length is about 2,145mm and it has a width track of 1,200mm. The vehicle has the advantage of being able to access areas that bigger truck cannot get to, making it applicable for use on narrow farm roads.
Another striking advantage of this model of the vehicle is that it fitted with a 8.5KW IC engine similar in design to the types you can find in some motor bikes. What this means is that it makes the vehicle to have low-cost maintenance, low fuel consumption and it can be repaired easily by both motor bike and auto mechanics.
Is this what you do for a living originally?
Well, yes. I am self-employed and I engage in general engineering practice. I am a PhD student of Engineering at the University of Benin, Edo State.
Has studying Engineering always been your dream?
Yes, I have always wanted be an engineer and that passion or dream was evident in the things I was involved in while growing up.
What kind of growing up did you have?
Growing up in Benin City, Edo State can be described as an interesting one. Though my late parents were not the wealthy type, my sibling and I were properly guided by them to be who we are today. As a kid, I spent most of my playtime trying to make my own toys. I remember making my own cars and airplanes since my siblings and I were not fortunate enough to have already-made toys from the big superstores.
Source: PUNCH
