Assignment 1
Description of a Mechanism: Bicycle
Mahmoud Maged 4791
Bicycle
If you had to pick the greatest machine of all time, what would you say? If we were talking
about machines that helped spread knowledge and educate people, you'd probably opt for
the printing press. If we meant inventions that let people farm the land and feed their families, you
might plump for the plow or the tractor. If you think transportation is really important, you could
go for the car engine, the steam engine, or the airplane jet engine. But for its sheer simplicity, I
think I would pick the bicycle (fig (1)). It's a perfect example of how pure, scientific ideas can be
harnessed in a very practical piece of technology. Let's take a look at the science of cycle and just
what makes them so great!
There are many parts of a bicycle. The main parts of a bicycle are wheels, spokes,
frame, stem, derailleur, pedal, saddle and components. Components is the bicycle industry’s name
for the moving mechanical parts. We will just the overall material importance for the components.
This focus is the parts function, wear, weight, and cost. [1]
[5]
Bicycle and its components - fig (1)
Bicycle Wheels (fig (2)) give the fundamental purpose to the bicycle; that is why
we call it a “bi” (meaning two) and “cycle” (meaning turning). A bicycle wheel is made up
of a hub, spokes, a rim, tire, and tube (table (a)). Each part of the wheel may require
different material properties. [1]
[6]
Bicycle wheel - fig (2)
Rim is the outer "hoop" part of a wheel (fig (3)).
Usually made of aluminum, although can be made
of steel on some older or low-end bikes, or made
of carbon fiber on some high-end racing bikes. [2]
[7]
Bicycle rim – fig (3)
The spokes (fig (4)) on your bike may look like little more than metal toothpicks that
fill space between the axle and wheel but, really, these mighty little dudes have some
important jobs:
Add strength to your rim.
Transfer your leg power from the hub to the
wheel.
Support your weight on the wheel. [3]
[7]
Spokes – fig (4)
Bicycle frame is the main component of a bicycle, onto which wheels and other
components are fitted. The modern and most common frame design for an upright
bicycle is based on the safety bicycle, and consists of two triangles: a main triangle and a
paired rear triangle. This is known as the diamond frame. Frames are required to be
strong, stiff and light, which they do by combining different materials and shapes. The
frame is the core to the bicycle as a complete functional unit. Material selection
importance should lay with strength and weight (i.e. strength/density materials and
processing) (table (a)). A major consideration is the tube frame design. The standard
commercial bicycle frame diagram is show below (fig (5)). [1]
[8]
Bicycle frame – fig (5)
Application Material w/out cost Material w/cost
Hub/Rim- Aluminum
Wheel Hub/Rim- Composite, Alloys,
Spokes-Steels Spokes-Steels
Frame Titanium Alloys Steels
Components Steels Steels
Helmet EPP foam EPS foam
[1]
Bicycle material selection – table (a)
Stem is the part that connects the handlebar to the frame (fig (6)). Do not call this
the "gooseneck," unless you want to make it perfectly clear that you are a clueless
newbie. Stems come in two varieties,
threadless--which clamps to the
outside of the fork's steerer tube,
and threaded, which is held in place
by an expanding wedge bolt inside
the fork's steerer tube. Stems are
often constructed of aluminum alloy,
but are also available
in steel, titanium, carbon fiber, and
aluminum alloy wrapped in carbon
fiber. [2]
[9]
Bicycle stem – fig (6)
Derailleur (fig (7)) is the device that is bolted to the frame that handles the job of
moving the chain from one gear to another when you shift gears. The front derailleur
handles the shifting on your chain rings and is usually controlled by your left-hand shifter.
The rear derailleur handles the shifting on your cassette or freewheel, and is usually
controlled by your right-hand shifter. [2]
[10]
Bicycle derailleur – fig (7)
The bicycle pedal (fig (8)) is the part of the bicycle that the rider pushes with their
foot to propel the bicycle. It provides the connection between the cyclist's foot
or shoe and the crank allowing the leg to turn the bottom bracket spindle and propel the
bicycle's wheels. Pedals usually consist of a spindle that threads into the end of the crank
and a body, on which the foot rests or is attached, that is free to rotate on bearings with
respect to the spindle. [4]
[11]
Bicycle pedal – fig (8)
And finally, the bicycle saddle (fig (9)). The saddle is not just another component of
the bike or simply where you park yourself, it is there for a very good reason. It takes most
of your weight on the bike, positions you over the pedals and helps you control the bike.
Getting it all right will make you more efficient on the bike and ultimately help you enjoy
riding more. [4]
[10]
Bicycle saddle – fig (9)
References:
Text:
1- [Link]
2- [Link]
3- [Link]
4- [Link]
Pictures:
5- [Link]
6- [Link]
7- [Link]
8- [Link]
9- [Link]
10- [Link]
11- [Link]