Product:
Corki Bike Kickstand for Road & Mountain Bike
Cost:
$23.98 on Amazon.com
Pros:
Doesn’t clamp onto frame
Folds up when not on bike
Magnetic snap on and off
Cons:
Works best with light bikes only - no mountain bikes
Quick release mechanism is required on back wheel
Must have room on quick release axle for collar
Analysis:
The Corki Bike Kickstand for Road & Mountain Bike is attached to the rear axle of the bike; very similar to the design for the Rear Axle Support. The Corki Bike Kickstand does not work well in supporting heavier bikes, so mountain bikers are less inclined to buy this product. The Rear Axle Support can be used on more bike types and sizes with its large base, widening the market.
Product:
Click-Stand
Cost:
$38.00 - $49.00
Pros:
Does not attach permanently to bike
Folds up when not in use
Does not scratch frame
Cons:
May dig into ground
Not guaranteed stability on all terrain
Bulky when extended
Analysis:
The Clickstand is similar to the team’s design because they are both extendable and this feature allows it to be carried with the cyclist easily. One disadvantage of the Clickstand is that it is difficult to use on certain terrain, namely soft surfaces like loamy soil and sand. Unlike the Rear Axle Support, which is more versatile and has a triangular foot to work better on all surfaces.
Analysis: This question was included to determine the general range of prices that people would be willing to pay for a product that would assist in keeping a bike upright. It was found that 88.5% of survey respondents would purchase a solution for less than $29.00. Based on this response and the cost of similar solutions, a product developed at this price point would be very marketable.
Analysis: The survey showed that the rear axle support was the most popular solution. The results from the decision matrix show the rear axle support having the highest rating, meaning it complies with the design specifications more than the others. Before settling on this solution, the team discussed other reasons for supporting it.
One concern about the Rear Axle Support was how the product would be transported while cycling. It is necessary that it is safe and doesn’t injure the cyclist or the bike. The team decided that the cyclist could determine their own way to transport the product, but the design would be as small and lightweight as possible, in order to prevent injury. Another point to consider was the security of the bike. It was concluded that there could be a locking mechanism added to the initial design to allow for the cyclist to lock the wheel of the bike in place, so it won’t get stolen. After addressing these concerns and noting that this product was the top choice in the decision matrix, and among stakeholders, the Rear Axle Support was selected as the top solution.
After brainstorming multiple potential solutions, utilizing a decision matrix, and gathering information from stakeholders through use of a survey, the Rear Axle Support was picked as the best design. It was selected because the decision matrix reported the design having the highest rating according to the design specifications such as weight and effectiveness. Echoing these thoughts, the stakeholders reported that they preferred the compact and transportable qualities of the Rear Axle Support. The team will continue to test and edit this solution in order to solve the problem.
This product will be produced using Aluminum 6061, a common, inexpensive metal. As for the yoke and base, they are currently made using a 3D printer and PLA plastic. The PLA plastic is plant-based, so the process has a reduced carbon footprint, meaning it's better for the environment.
Click-Stand. (n.d.) Click-Stand. Retrieved 2021, February 10 from: http://www.click-stand.com/
Corki. (n.d.). Corki Bike Kickstand Carbon Fiber Bike Stand/Quick Release Bike Kickstand/Portable Bike Stand for Road & Mountain Bike. Retrieved 2021, February 10 from: https://www.amazon.com/corki-Parking-Mountain-Kickstand- Utralight