Materials and Construction Procedures

Designed by Nghia (Wilson) Ly, Caleb Mayer, Daria Frame

Science, Math and Engineering Concepts

• 1. What parts will focus need to be increased due to stress or other factors?

     1. Most of the weight for the design will be focused at the location of the caster wheel for the back portion of the bike framing. In the mock-up, this was where the construction bowed and appeared to be the weakest (heard cracking noises from the wood) when weight was added to the seat similar to a child sitting on it.

     2. The weight added to the design overall is something that should be kept in mind throughout. Because the motion will not be made by the legs but with abdominal and side muscles, which are not hugely developed in many children, the bike needs to be kept as light or lighter than the current standard bike design. A lighter design would make it easier for children to accustom themselves to using these muscles in a new way. Also, a spring could be added to the twisting motion so that when the rotational motion has reached the end of its allowance (the block), there will be an extra little amount of help to propel the reverse rotation to the block on the other side.

  2. What scientific, mathematical and engineering concepts need to be considered in the design and build of the bike? Explain.

• • 1. Stress calculations and structural engineering would need to be considered when choosing materials and fasteners and designing the frame and welding points so that the construction does not bend and is safe and secure for the rider. Research into weight bearing metals and welding, and what configurations and shapes are strongest. For this, we would consult with Dennis Frame and various welders working under him. Frame has explained how the less welded connections needed, the stronger the design will be. Also, certain shapings of the metal “tubes” are stronger than others.

• 3. Make sure all choices are influenced by, or come from, scientific, mathematical or engineering concepts.

• • 1. The ideas for all parts relate to structure and stress calculations and ideas discussed in mathematics and engineering. When speaking of welding, much of that information will come from experts in that field with years of experience: Dennis Frame and possibly others working at Reeve’s Manufacturing: Richmond, IN . The designs for the bike framing and some of the function of the twisting motion will be reviewed with input from Frame.

    2. Rotational mechanics and spring force calculations and theories would be used to help perfect the idea of springs to help the rotational movement of the caster wheel assembly discussed in 1b.

Before Construction: Material and Fastener Decisions

(These annotations can be found on each sketch, as it applies.)

• 1. Sketches of each part in accordance with the bigger design. Fasteners like nuts and bolts are drawn, but chemical fasteners have notes with what type and specifics of the fastener.

  2. Written on sketches are any and all important scientific, mathematical and engineering related details, as well as any other important information needed for the design.