A Project Synopsis On

Working Model Of Hydraulic Bicycle

VISHVESHWARYA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Deptt. Of Mechanical Engg.

Submitted for partial fulfillment of award of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

In

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Under the Guidance of

Mr. Hemant Kumar Agrawal

Submitted By

(i) Santosh Kumar

(ii) Ravi Kant Gautam

(iii) Vivek Singh

(iv) Saurabh Yadav

Introduction

Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number more than a billion worldwide, twice as many as automobiles. They are the principal means of transportation in many regions. They also provide a popular form of recreation, and have been adapted for such uses as children's toys, adult fitness, military and police applications, courier services and bicycle racing.

Since 2005, Western Michigan University has participated in the Parker Hannifin Chainless Challenge. This competition features human-powered vehicles utilizing hydraulic power trains. Previous to this senior design project, time restraints forced the Chainless Challenge team to design and build their competition bicycles without acquiring a good understanding of the dynamic nature of the system. The hydraulic systems had never undergone thorough testing using a dynamometer. Also, no one had attempted to create a computer model for the bicycle. For this program to be successful in the future, it was decided that research and modeling of the bicycle’s dynamic behavior was necessary.

“A hydraulic bicycle is a chainless bicycle that transfers power to the pedals by means of a liquid passing through tubes from hydraulic pump to hydraulic motor and back.”

PROJECT DECOMPOSITION-

The bicycle is made up of a great array of both mechanical and hydraulic equipment. All these bicycle components were identified and organized into the below lists. The effect each component had on the performance was investigated. Each crucial component was added to the model. The model allows the user to change any of these components. Therefore, performance data can be reviewed to study the effect of varying specific components.

Working-

Direct Drive - The hydraulic fluid goes from the pump directly to the hydraulic motor. In routine cycling, this mode would be used most commonly. No pressure is being stored during this process. Therefore, the fluid bypasses the accumulator while in this operating mode. Once the hydraulic fluid flows through the motor, it goes through the reservoir where it can be pumped again.

Regenerative Braking -Regenerative braking can take many forms. The most practical form for a bicycle would be a system that stores energy while a cyclist coasts down a hill.

· Assisted Drive - There are two options for this system. The first option would allow the bicycle to be propelled by the accumulator alone. The second option would allow the rider to pedal energy into the system while also receiving energy from the accumulator. This would allow for maximum velocity on flat land and would provide a boost while pedaling up an incline.

ADVANTAGES-

1- Shifting, through valves and displacement, provides either continuously variable gearing or more steps than traditional bicycles.

2- Shifts smoothly under full power.

3- Drive transmits power while pedaling forward and backward. Thus racers can power bicycle through turns by alternating short forward and backward pedal strokes. No slack or backlash occurs, in either direction. Ability to coast is maintained.

4- Mechanism is clean and operates silently.

5- Fewer moving parts (about 10 vs over 70), all of which are continuously bathed in clean lubricating fluid.

6- Sealed systems require less maintenance than open chain system.

7- Front-wheel drive and two-wheel drive systems can be implemented. (See Two-wheel drive)

8- Drive can double as a hydraulic brake, eliminating the weight, cost, and maintenance of regular brakes.

9- The hydraulic (hydrostatic) transmission could be useful for recumbent bicycles because the hoses may be easier to route than a long chain.

10- Energy recuperation, storage and power assist could be added.