I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts about a Dymaxion drivetrain for a small tadpole trike. The drivetrain would have a subframe with the motor and rear wheel which pivots on the main frame, so that steering is accomplished with the rear wheel.
The rear subframe would be complex, it has to have suspension, motor, drivetrain, controls and rear wheel all on a moving subframe. The front end could be simple, in fact a trailer axle with the addition of appropriate springs and shocks would probably be adequate for a light vehicle.
The body could be Dymaxion shaped with improvements, such as a smoother surface area than the original. A Pillbug with a narrow tail would be a good design to emulate. The body could be molded or could be developed from flat surfaces. It would cover the wheels. For a small trike, the forward part of the body could be lifted up as a door with the hinge at the very front of the vehicle.
The motor/drivetrain could be a number of types, electric motor/chain or hubmotor, light gas motorcycle take off, small diesel with cvt (Comet type).
The subframe would be a welded steel box that included some type of suspension for the wheel, motor and transmission mounts, and a roller and track system that allows the entire subframe to swing right and left to allow for steering.