Element H: PROTOTYPE TESTING AND DATA COLLECTION PLAN

Purpose:

• The purpose of this test is to determine which yoke is most effective, in addition to which base design is most effective.

Pass/Fail Criteria:

• Pass: This test is successful if one yoke/base combination can consistently withstand a bike’s weight in dry, cement conditions for multiple trials.

Materials:

• 3 Yokes - various designs

• 1 Rear Axle Support

• 2 Feet - various orientations of base design

• 1 mountain bike (any size, but it has to be the same one for each trial)

• Stopwatch

• Tape Measure

• Protractor

Initial Conditions:

• The bike must be on a concrete surface that is consistent throughout the trials.

• The bike used must remain the same throughout the trial.

• No contact with the bike while testing.

Test Termination:

• Terminate this procedure if any of the following conditions occur:

  • Person gets hurt

  • Bike gets damaged in any way

  • Yoke, foot, or Rear Axle Support main frame is damaged

  • Test yields the same result for 3 different prototypes consecutively

Stepwise Procedure:

1. All materials are on hand

2. All initial conditions have been verified

3. Ensure all participants are familiar with safety concerns

4. Using a protractor, strong dowel, bike, and Vernier Force Sensor measure the amount of force that a bike puts on the ground at a 15 degree angle

5. Following Prototype #X directions (Yoke/Foot Combination Matrix), attach yoke and foot to the Rear Axle Support

6. Position Prototype #X of the Rear Axle Support underneath the rear axle of the bike and let the bike rest on the Rear Axle Support

7. Let go of the bike and start the timer

8. Measure and record how far the prototype slips within the first 30 seconds

9. Measure and record how far the prototype slips within a 12 minute time frame

10. Using a protractor, measure and record the angle at which the bike leans when the Rear Axle Support is being used

11. Measure and record point of failure within 12 minute time frame, if applicable

12. Record all data on the above datasheet

13. Repeat steps 6-12 for two additional trials

14. Repeat steps 5-13 for other prototypes

Purpose:

• The purpose of this test is to determine which yoke-foot combination is most effective in various terrains.

Pass/Fail Criteria:

• Pass: This test is successful if one yoke/base combination can consistently withstand a bike’s weight in varying conditions for multiple trials.

Materials:

• 3 Yokes - various designs

• 1 Rear Axle Support

• 2 Feet - various orientations of base design

• 1 mountain bike (any size, but it has to be the same one for each trial)

• Stopwatch

• Tape Measure

• Protractor

Initial Conditions:

• The bike used must remain the same throughout the trials.

• No contact with the bike while testing.

Stepwise Procedure:

1. All materials are on hand.

2. All initial conditions have been verified.

3. Ensure all participants are familiar with safety concerns.

4. Following Prototype #X directions (Yoke/Foot Combination Matrix), attach yoke and foot to the Rear Axle Support for the top 3 combinations from Test 1

5. Position the Rear Axle Support underneath the rear axle of the bike and let the bike rest on the Rear Axle Support under specifications for Trial X (Prototype/Terrain Combination Matrix)

6. Let go of the bike and start the timer

7. Measure and record how far the Rear Axle Support slips within the first 30 seconds

8. Measure and record how far the Rear Axle Support slips within a 12 minute time frame

9. Using a protractor, measure and record the angle at which the bike leans when the Rear Axle Support is being used

10. Measure and record point of failure within 12 minute time frame

11. Record all data on the above datasheet

12. Repeat steps 5-11 for two additional trials

13. Repeat steps 4-12 for other prototypes