Project Proposal on Urban Bike Commuter

Question: Write a project proposal on urban bike commuter (folding bicycle). Answer: 1. Introduction In times like today, where everyone is racing against himself or herself, aiming to achieve the best in life, health, and exercise takes a back seat. It is ironic because physical and mental health should be at the first position in a person's priority list. It is also understandable since there are hundreds of responsibilities one has to juggle each day. One probable solution to this could be switching to bicycles to commute to one's office, school, or college. This will ensure a steady physical activity each day, which is beneficial for a person's overall well-being. However, there are also certain cons attached to this idea. Conventional bicycles are difficult to park, are very much prone to theft, and are certainly not easy to carry. Thus, the desirability of a foldable bicycle comes into the scene. The primary idea of this project is to develop a foldable cycle which is light and sleek enough to carry and is economical to appeal to the majority (Shu et al. 2013). 2. Aim and objective To design a sleek and light-weighted foldable cycle that is convenient and mobile to carry: To develop a cycle model, which is easy to ride: To produce a foldable cycle which is priced at economical rates so that it appeals to the majority: 3. Literature Review A bicycle often referred to as a cycle or a bike is a human powered vehicle, driven by pedals, having a couple of wheels attached to a single frame, placed one behind another (Jppinen et al. 2013). The bicycle has gone through a number of transformations and modifications since its inception. With the continuous innovation of new materials and technological designs, the bicycles are always at the receiving end of customization according to the needs and preferences of the times. Since their inception in the year 1818, bicycles have well proved to be convenient, environmentally friendly, and a healthy way of transportation for both the commuters as well as the enthusiasts. Although they have remained a pervasive mode of commutation worldwide, the global trend has transformed dramatically (Schepers et al. 2014). Highly advanced automobiles, heavily customized according to the needs of the users, now dominate the roadways of Australia. Unfortunately, the riders of a bicycle are deemed as second-class citizens because they are not as dynamic as the technologically advanced automobiles. Bicycles can be classified according to their function, their general design, rider capacity and using propulsion and gearing. The most common forms of bicycles are mountain bicycles, utility bicycles, racing bicycles, hybrid and cruiser bicycles. The bicycle is exceptionally efficient in both in terms of biology and mechanics. It is the most effective means of human-driven transportation, which means a person has to expend his energy to travel a certain distance. From the mechanical point of view, about 99 percent of the energy invested by the biker into the pedals is transferred directly to the wheels (Wolf and Seebauer 2014). The materials used for building a bicycle is also of utmost importance. Deciding on the kind of materials that will be used depends on the manufacturer. The finance required to build the frame is yet again a huge factor to be considered. The manufacturers of bicycles follow varied philosophies regarding the materials and equipment to be used in making the bicycle. To decipher the appropriate materials to be utilized depends on the physical properties of the materials be it steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, magnesium or titanium. The manufacturer uses the materials that are best suited according to the use of the product- commutation or sport and the expected budget that the consumer can afford (Chira et al.2014). The manufacturers of bicycle consider some important properties when they plan to build a bicycle like the density, elongation, tensile strength, stiffness, and fatigue strength. A folding bicycle is built as a foldable structure, including a support system at the front having handlebars and designed to be a foldable rearward. This invention will help the user to fold the cycle very conveniently by folding the front support system manually, which includes the lower and upper section linked by the hinge (Masden et al.2013). A folding bicycle also can be explained as a bicycle, which has all the attributes and properties of a conventional bicycle like the feel, strength, rigidity, weight, and height. The innovative bicycle has a solid frame that can be folded, with a rotatable front half attached to a hinge, which will ensure smooth driving for the rider. This cycle can also be wrapped in a carrying bag if needed (Nikaido et al.2015). The handlebars of the cycle are reversible and can be folded in a collapsed form. The lever arm is kept in place with the help of a fastening spring so that the locking hook does not disengage itself from the locking clip while the bicycle is in use. Eventually, the steering stem and the handlebar are separated from each other and are folded and kept separately. All the composing elements in a folding bicycle include a horizontal axis, and all these elements are indirectly linked to a single collar that slides down and up the seat of the cycle. In order to fold or unfold the cycle, the collar is slipped along the post of the handle bar and is then fastened by a swift release lever on the top of the collar (Giubilato et al. 2012). The lower portion of the seat and the steering head are parallel to each other because of a couple of front tubes placed between them. 4. Benefits Accelerated speed: The wheels of a foldable cycle are smaller than the counterparts. This results in a splendid experience of driving at a high-accelerated speed out racing any advanced automobile on the road. As the wheels are smaller, it takes less human power to drive the pedals, and thus, incredible speed can be achieved with little much effort (Venara et al. 2013). Less prone to theft: Since the foldable bicycles are convenient to carry anywhere, chances of them getting stolen is comparatively less. The design of the folding bicycle is compact enough to be taken and kept anywhere as per the convenience, and they will remain unnoticeable. The folding cycles will be such a niche product, which even if it is locked up in the parking area, the thief wouldn't know what it is , let alone they will know what to do with the foldable cycle (Giubilato et al. 2012). Practically designed: The foldable bicycles are designed for the convenience of the users in every practical aspect. If it starts raining, the rider can take the tube trains, or if he or she has a meeting and cannot afford to look tired, they can switch to any other mode of transportation and still manage to ride back home on the cycle if they want (Schepers et al. 2014). Low maintenance: A foldable cycle requires nothing much but making sure that the tires have air in them, and the lights are properly charged, and the chains are well oiled. The user will not have to pay bills for the parking spot or file for insurances (Cox 2015). This saves a lot of money and also the hassles of maintaining a conventional automobile. Good for health: Commuting on a foldable cycle is much better for a person's health than traveling inside an air-conditioned car. Riding in a foldable bicycle will result in a full fledged cardio vascular exercise of the rider (Dozza et al. 2012). The riding process will keep the user fit healthy and fit that will save the riders time that he or she spends in a gym. 5. Project plan Day1 Day2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Selection of Material The material for building the foldable bi-cycle is selected very carefully. Model designing The model is designed according to the standard procedures based on the frames carrying capacity. Designing the CAD model The CAD model is developed using 3D enabled model software. This is the final model of the bi-cycle. Meshing The meshing is done using the second and first standard tetra elements for better performance. Analysis of the frame The stiffness and density of the bi-cycle frame is measured according to the preference of the customers. Model Fabrication The model is tested for various loads and environmental conditions after the market survey. Troubleshooting If ay defects are detected, they are rectified. 6. Conclusion The concept of a foldable bi-cycle is the answer to all the problems that are faced by the users of a conventional bi-cycle. It is convenient to carry, optimized to suit the customers use and preferences and is available at economical prices. The bike has adjustable handles and seat for the children and adults to ride the same bike. In the project proposal, the literature review pertaining to the concept of foldable cycles has been discussed for the better comprehension of the readers. The benefits of riding a foldable cycle-convenience, safety, health benefits are discussed. A project plan is made segregating the processes on a weekly basis that includes the different processes involved in the manufacturing of a foldable bi-cycle. 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