Our group
was able to create a classification scheme and choose three main outcomes of
the many possible variations.
Classification Scheme Evaluation
Using our classification scheme we were able to come up with 3 different
configurations that each could be a successful product however we selected the
enclosed configuration as the one that we want to move forward with and
continue to develop.
1.
The first function to be evaluated is the method to attach the trailer, for
this function we needed to evaluate the cost effectiveness, ease of use, and
user safety.
(a)
The most cost effective option is the rear axle spring bolt, it is an existing
product that is easy to acquire and cheap to manufacture. This option is a less
user friendly, however it is much safer as it keeps the center of load close to
the ground.
(b)
The best option for ease of use would be the seat post clamp, it is the
simplest to attach and remove from the bike, and it is the most intuitive,
however this option creates a higher center of gravity and is less safe for the
user.
(c)
Locking nuts and Rod and Tube are both derivations of these other designs
(d)
We selected the rear axle spring bolt as the best option
2.
The next function is the shape of the load carrying area.
(a)
The first option is the flatbed design, this option is the simplest and the
most versatile however it is not the easiest to produce and it requires extra
parts to attach the load to the trailer
(b)
Pannier bags are the easiest produce as we could simply use an existing market
product, however they are the most limiting in terms of carrying capacity
(c)
Enclosed soft shell is easy to produce and it limits the carrying capacity
(d)
Enclosed hard shell is also easy to produce and it limits the carrying
capacity, however with a rigid shell it allows us to easily add other features
and we do not require other attachment devices
(e)
We selected the Enclosed hard shell
3.
For the position of the load our primary concern was the safety of the user
(a)
Positioning the load on the sides of the wheel keeps the center of gravity low,
however it also tends to unbalance the trailer
(b)
Above the wheel raises the center of gravity to high for it to be safe
(c)
In front of the wheel keeps the center of gravity low but makes the trailer to
long and limits the turning radius
(d)
About the wheel keeps the center of gravity low while maintaining the turning
radius and is the best option
4.
For the method of transport, we needed to consider the safety of the user and
the cost
(a)
For a single wheel design, it keeps the trailer narrow and in line with the
bike which benefits the user, however it can be unbalanced if poorly loaded
(b)
For double wheel design, it is wider and doesn't turn as well, however it is
harder to unbalance, but it is more expensive
(c)
We selected the Single wheel design as the best option
5.
Storage of potential energy of the load
(a)
Because we selected the enclosed hard shell design, the shape of the trailer
itself will keep the load in place and we do not need any extra methods to
attach the load
6.
Storage of potential energy of the suspension
(a)
The most basic option is a simple spring suspension, this option is the
simplest, cheapest, easiest to manufacture, and it requires almost no maintenance. However it is not as effective as a pneumatic suspension
(b)
Pneumatic suspension is more effective, and it is adjustable based on the
load. However it is significantly more expensive that the simple spring
(c)
We selected the simple spring as the best option
7.
Storage of electrical energy – for this category we had to consider if we
wanted to store the energy or simple convert it
(a)
The simplest option is no storage, this would mean that only devices that are
plugged in at the time of most would be charged, this is also the cheapest
option
(b)
Our other option was a form of battery to store the charge for later use. This
option is more expensive however it is much more user friendly
(c)
We selected a battery storage as the best option
8.
Energy conversion is our method of producing electrical energy, user cost is
our primary concern
(a)
Rotational converts the energy of the wheel into electrical energy, this is the
cheapest option, however it only produces energy while the trailer is in motion
and it puts additional load on the user by being the heaviest option and using
friction
(b)
Solar power is more expensive however it can produce energy as long as there is
daylight, and it is the lightest option
(c)
We were forced at this time to select rotational mainly because of the large
cost of solar, however if solar becomes more cost effective we will switch
9.
Power output
(a)
Our first option is a USA standard power outlet, this is a very cost effective
option however it is very large and would require more wiring to convert to
110v AC power
(b)
Our second option is a Standard USB outlet, this option is also very cost
effective it is also the simplest system to manufacture, however it does limit
the charging ability of the system to devices with a USB cord
(c)
We selected a standard USB outlet
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