Pedal to the Metal Gears

As the second and final Action Project for the class Design and Engineering comes along, I've found myself assigned to innovate what most people think is already perfect; a bike. Now what was difficult was imagining how exactly to improve upon such a staple idea. Bikes have most aspects needed for transportation, but to assist in the quest for innovation, we (alongside a partner [mine being JR] ) were assigned a persona to make a bike for. In other words, we had a short profile about a person that has certain struggle they wish they could overcome with their bike, whether it be weather or storage. We had a 15 year old named Malia that lives 5 miles away from her school, residing in Logan Square (Chicago, IL), and she'll often times go grocery shopping with that bike on her route through the 606 [a large, highway-like bike lane].

JR Bike Model & Cyclist 2015

After completion of the project, I can admit that I'm proud of the unique aspects that me and JR added to a standard bike, which included extendable handle bars that could come off and act as an independent u-lock. A second addition was a built in fender (and chain protector) that had indentations/extensions on them that act like pockets for perhaps text books and water bottles. Also sporting a stretchable, detachable basket in the front of the bike for groceries was thought of for the sake of convenience, since Malia does go grocery shopping after all. Now during this unit, there was also an External Investigation assignment that revolved around interviewing a cyclist of sorts, and I interviewed my brother. When making this new bike, I kept what he had said in my mind "I hate having to worry so much about my bike getting stolen" and that made me remember about security of bikes being a great issue amongst people who casually use bikes.

During this project, I also learned that there are bikes that exist which feature suspension systems for a smoother ride, which inspired me and my partner to create a bike that added comfort. While not shown on the full model, you can see in this fully labeled drawing that the original bike concept is supposed to feature a seat that has some back support that also has pockets for heat packs, since winters are so harsh here in Chicago. The drawing also shows off the idea of pedals that have a simple, set, immovable, metal strap so there's less chance of the rider's foot slipping.

VG Labeled Drawing 2015

Going into detail about how the bike is in terms of wheels and gears, the bike's wheels are about 28 inches in diameter, which means that it has an 88in circumference (since diameter•π=circumference). Thinking about that, the distance from school being 5 miles (316,800inches), it would take our bike 3,600 rotations of its wheel to cover that (total distance÷circumference). Speaking of the wheels, our model has 2 inch diameter wheels, which, when translated to the 28in diameter wheels for it's real life counterpart, you'd get a scaling of the bike being 14 times bigger than the model. Going on to other aspects, we have multiple gears on our bike as well, With 2 driver gears (in the front) and 3 driven gears in the back, each one has a certain amount of teeth, 12 then 16 in the front. 24, 36, 48 teeth for the back gears. With that, all possible gear ratios (written out as driven gear:driver gear) are 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 3:2, and 9:4. This makes for easy riding through diverse terrain, as different gear set ups help adapt to different kinds of slopes.

Now when thinking about how different types of energy are incorporated throughout the bike, it would have potential and kinetic energy when going down a slope, as gravity is pulling it down, making it move (kinetic), but that same gravity is also contributing to adding more potential energy, as it can get faster.

VG Handle Lock Showcase 2015

VG Handle Lock Concept 2015

Seeing as how there are different routes Malia could be taking to school, the general time it would take for her to cover those 5 miles would be around 15 minutes by bike. Converting that to miles per hour is simple, as we just take 60(one hour)÷15 minutes (which equals 4) and multiply that to the distance, giving us time over distance, or 20mph.

So with security, comfort, storage, and convenience, our bike would be best for long distances that have you carrying things, plus, with that handle bar lock, you've even got some unique storage options. I hope you enjoyed this informative analyze own how me and JR designed a unique bike through multiple engineering methods. It was no doubt difficult trying to add things to what we never though of changing, and then only to scrap certain ideas (like a navigation system), but in the end, this is the result of our hard work.

The Slammer of SledgeWhammer

It's the first Action Project of our second class, Design and Engineering. This class is a math, science, and of course, design based course. The first of two Action Projects, as there are 2 units (as opposed to the regular amount, three), has us recreating/improving upon a tool that we already decided to analyze during an external investigation at Home Depot, seeing why the tools were made and how they help. My fellow blogger MF and I decided upon the sledgehammer as it wasn't that practical for gardening, so it stood out (unknowingly deciding the tool for this Action Project). During this time of research, it was worth noting the weight and material of different sledgehammers, as well as the variety ni handles. Some hammers were cushiony, some where just plain steel, others had wooden handles, it was all so different for being the same exact tool. Certain struggles and obstacles with the design were finding out its size and how it would differ from the competition. At first, the idea was making it repetitively slam onto a surface, but then the problem was finding out how that would work. Overall, I was proud of the concept and enjoyed figuring out how to work out the different mechanics, innovating on every aspect we could. Just below you can find the rest of the information about the concept, and I hope you enjoy.

The SledgeWhammer (Vectors included), VG & MF- 2015

Now people of all ages are the intended consumer as it should have universal usage. Despite physical differences, anybody should be able to pick up a nifty sledgehammer and buy it for some good old fashion demolition without worrying about buying multiple types or a unique version. A tool that relies heavily on the simple machines; a lever, pulleys, wheel & axle— should be able to be universally used (interchangeable weights/hammers). And speaking of the lever, as one side rises, the other side lowers, so utilizing a counterweight was truly taken advantage of as we could have the sides alternate going up and down for efficiency through repetitive hammering. So unlike the common sledgehammer, our SledgeWhammer can be used by anyone, even a senior citizen.

Based on the interviews my fellow students and I did, our consumers (or at least gardeners) want easy tools that are comfortable and efficient. And since we empathize those of you who aren't as physically able as the average adult, we made a design that suits everyone. Now with the SledgeWhammer, we have a detachable sledgehammer that rests on a fulcrum, equal distance from its also interchangeable liquid counterweight (to make repetitive smashing). This lightweight frame of 24 pounds is small enough to fit inside of a minivan, and the cases containing the multiple hammerheads and counterweights are neatly packed. The liquid counterweight is intended to create a mirrored ripple-like effect that will create the equal and opposite reaction for every action the head of the hammer does. The hammer itself is lifted by a double pulley system that's controlled by a crank.

Storyboard for Tool part 1, VG & MF-2015

The SledgeWhammer won't be a hassle, as it's operated by a ratchet pulley system that utilizes a crank to raise the hammer and a release/lock button to start the swing (which might I add is behind the tool, and on the back of it, there's a strong, thick layer of plexiglass so you can see what you're demolishing!), or stop it when necessary. The crank is to the side of the frame pulling on an extremely dexterous tether which is attached to one pulley that redirects the tether to the ratchet pulley, which raises the hammer. But what if you don't need or want to utilize the whole SledgeWhammer? That's why the sledgehammer part is detachable, no need to roll the frame with you everywhere you go. All the parts of the hammer come in cases (alongside counterweights) so it's easier to transport, however these cases can get hefty sometimes, so don't underestimate the weight. On the other hand, since I mentioned the frame, it's supported by 4 large wheels that are friction-based to ensure that when the brakes are applied, the tool stays in place. The frame also has gaps for cost-efficient design when being built, and it utilizes triangles in its frame design for a sturdier build.

Storyboard for Tool part 2, VG-2015

Lastly, the SledgeWhammer smashes the competition with its diversity in a single tool, as well as automated performance. And who even wants a regular sledgehammer when the SledgeWhammer is the coolest tool you'll ever own? It's like the best non-electric jackhammer anyone could ever ask for.