DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTRIC FOOD DELIVERY VEHICLE FOR HOSPITALS BASED ON THE QUALITY FUNTION DEPLOYMENT PRINCIPLE

Abstract

This research aims to design and develop an electric food delivery vehicle for hospital use by applying the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method to systematically analyze and translate user requirements into technical specifications and vehicle functions. The design process began with a user needs survey, which indicated a demand for a four-wheel, ride-on food delivery vehicle capable of traveling at least 20 kilometers per day with ease of operation, while ensuring ease of control and operational safety. Consequently, the vehicle's structure was fabricated using Food-Grade 304 Stainless Steel due to its high durability and food-contact safety. The dimensions were optimized for compactness to fit within constrained spaces and hospital elevator shafts. For safety enhancement, a four-wheel disc brake system was implemented to prevent slippage and improve braking precision. The powertrain consists of a 48V 800W brushless direct current motor, powered by a 48V 30Ah lithium iron phosphate battery. The performance testing indicated that the electric food delivery vehicle could efficiently manage its energy and achieve a maximum driving range of 32 kilometers per full charge. The developed electric food delivery vehicle successfully meets the project objectives, offering high efficiency, safety, and user convenience, while significantly reducing the workload of hospital staff.