Modeling and analysis of a bicycle equipped with in-wheel suspensions

Corno, Matteo; Panzani, Giulio; Catenaro, Edoardo; Savaresi, Sergio M.

doi:10.1016/j.ymssp.2020.107548

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…5.0-8.3 m/s versus 0.4-1.0 m/s) where vibrations and shocks are more severe [12,18]. One bicycle simulation using SoftWheels showed significant (17-26%) reductions of vibration over asphalt and small shock-inducing obstacles, with an estimated 14% loss in efficiency at cruising speeds [54]. The cyclic compression and re-extension of the three damper spokes were identified as a periodic energy loss in rolling, as well as a cause of non-negligible pitch perturbation [54].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One bicycle simulation using SoftWheels showed significant (17-26%) reductions of vibration over asphalt and small shock-inducing obstacles, with an estimated 14% loss in efficiency at cruising speeds [54]. The cyclic compression and re-extension of the three damper spokes were identified as a periodic energy loss in rolling, as well as a cause of non-negligible pitch perturbation [54]. This periodic energy absorption likely explains the propulsion cost increases for SoftWheels and LoopWheels.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Effect of Wheels, Casters and Forks on Vibration Attenuation and Propulsion Cost of Manual Wheelchairs

Misch

Liu

Sprigle

2022

IEEE Trans. Neural Syst. Rehabil. Eng.

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Manual wheelchair users are exposed to whole-body vibrations as a direct result of using their wheelchair. Wheels, tires, and caster forks have been developed to reduce or attenuate the vibration that transmits through the frame and reaches the user. Five of these components with energy-absorbing characteristics were compared to standard pneumatic drive wheels and casters. This study used a robotic wheelchair propulsion system to repeatedly drive an ultra-lightweight wheelchair over four common indoor and outdoor surfaces: linoleum tile, decorative brick, poured concrete sidewalk, and expanded aluminum grates. Data from the propulsion system and a seat-mounted accelerometer were used to evaluate the energetic efficiency and vibration exposure of each configuration. Equivalence test results identified meaningful differences in both propulsion cost and seat vibration. LoopWheels and SoftWheels both increased propulsion costs by 12-16% over the default configuration without reducing vibration at the seat. Frog Legs suspension caster forks increased vibration exposure by 16-97% across all four surfaces. Softroll casters reduced vibration by 11% over metal grates. Wide pneumatic 'mountain' tires showed no difference from the default configuration. All vibration measurements were within acceptable ranges compared to health guidance standards. Out of the component options, softroll casters show the most promising results for ease of efficiency and effectiveness at reducing vibrations through the wheelchair frame and seat cushion. These results suggest some components with built-in suspension systems are ineffective at reducing vibration exposure beyond standard components, and often introduce mechanical inefficiencies that the user would have to overcome with every propulsion stroke.

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