AbstractsTransportation

The Feasibility of Wood and its Derivatives as a Bicycle Frame Building Material

by TAYLOR NICHOLAS BRENT




Institution: TDX
Department:
Year: 2016
Keywords: Palabras Clave: Diseño, Producto, Madera, Bicicleta.Paraules Clau: Disseny, Producte, Fusta, Bicicleta.Keywords: Design, Product, Frame, Bicycle frame.; EXPRESION GRAFICA EN LA INGENIERIA
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2122081
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10251/63663


Abstract

[EN] ABSTRACTNicholas Brent Taylor: The Feasibility of Wood and its Derivatives as a Bicycle Frame Building MaterialThe bicycle is often considered as one of the most important inventions of all time. In addition, it is the most efficient form of human transport in the world. It is non pollutant, uses no fuel other than human power and its carbon footprint is neutralised in a short time. Today, faced with the threat of global warming brought about by fossil fuels, countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Columbia actually encourage the use of the bicycle as a viable means of urban transport, and in the city of Paris there are financial incentives for cycling commuters. In China alone there are 450 Million bicycles. The form of the bicycle is universally recognisable, it is easy to use and simple to maintain. However, in spite of its apparent simplicity, the bicycle is made up of numerous components and sub-assemblies. Over the years these components and sub-assemblies have undergone a succession of changes and modifications. As with the evolution, development, and life cycle of any product, some of the modifications were relatively short lived. Others for various reasons have been adopted almost universally, such as steel ball bearings, the roller chain, pneumatic tires, tension spoked wheels, etc. In order to more fully understand the bicycle, its advantages, its shortcomings, and its place in the modern world, the first part of this study aims to address the various criteria which apply to bicycle typology, differentiation, use and construction. However, although numerous types of Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs) exist, the initial part of this research is constrained to the evolution and development of the 'Safety' type bicycle - attributed to J. K. Starley of Coventry in 1895 - up to the present day, taking into account such factors as; design, material selection, manufacturing technology, and diversity. The first part of the study is a comprehensive overview of the bicycle which identifies crucial technological aspects and categorises bicycle by type and intended use. Due to the huge quantities and types of bicycles produced worldwide this research identifies generic types of each category irrespective of origin or manufacturer. The second part of this dissertation is devoted to the study of wooden bicycles and the specific requirements of this type of bicycle such as the use of wood and its derivatives e.g. engineered wood, as a bicycle frame construction material and some of the solutions arrived at and the special parts or components required. Contemporary and historical bicycles made from wood, other organic material and its derivatives have been investigated and conclusions drawn regarding their functionality and purpose.Part three is dedicated to the Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Wooden Bicycle prototype undertaken by the Author with the assistance of three Industrial Design Students.Part four describes the design, construction and testing of subsequent prototypes in detail including the…