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Stabili-Bike. Blue A: Mark Cote Courtney Greene Andrew Harlan Albert Hernandez. The Stabili-Bike is:. Recumbent Seat. Over-running Clutch. Internally Geared Hub. Gyroscopic Flywheel. Problem/Need. Current bicycle designs are: Too heavy Too large/difficult to transport
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Stabili-Bike Blue A: Mark Cote Courtney Greene Andrew Harlan Albert Hernandez
The Stabili-Bike is: Recumbent Seat Over-running Clutch Internally Geared Hub Gyroscopic Flywheel
Problem/Need • Current bicycle designs are: • Too heavy • Too large/difficult to transport • Very different looking • A stable bike that: • Allows for a greater range of rider skill levels • Teaches balance, and proper riding technique • Unobtrusive appearance
Specific Market • Teenagers (14+) with special needs, esp. Down’s Syndrome • Also useful for anyone who has difficulty balancing on a bicycle • Contact: Tom McElman, Cardinal Cushing School *Source: National Downs Syndrome Society, www.ndss.org †Source: Leage of American Bicyclists: www.bikeleague.org
Design Requirements • Increases stability • Easier to transport • Normalcy • Inexpensive
Main Stability Factors • Fork Angle • Helps keep steering wheel straight and reject unintentional turns • Gyroscopic Forces • Places wheel in correct position during turns • Center of Gravity • Lower = better!
Main Features • Overrunning clutch • Allows flywheel to spin freely • Uninhibited braking • Continual gyroscopic effect • Low-rider design • Seat closer to ground • Provides a lower center of gravity • Gyroscopic Flywheel • Flywheel is powered by user pedaling • Teaches proper balancing techniques
Front Wheel Hub Concept Spoke Interface Center Free-Spinning Bearing One-Way Locking Rod Inter-Locking Hub
Feasibility • Testing gives promising results towards stability • Can easily incorporate flywheel into a stock wheel • Flywheel is human-powered