bike accessory @ NASA



Greetings,

Even though this is off-topic for a bicycle newsgroup, please accept the
following constructive critism on this design (since I also ride motorcycles
as well).

Sorry, but the design is not satisfactory for real-world use.

Here's why...

First, the spread of the verticle supports is too narrow - they need to be
about 30 degrees from perpendicular to the ground on each side of the bike.
The simplistic design of the mechanical leveling switch as well as delays in
motion and movement of the supports and the bike) would cause
overcompensation when leveling the bike. The narrower the spread of the
supports, the greater potential for overcompensation.

Second, the mechanical leveling switch is too simplistic. Any switch would
need be curved (in the form of a "smile") for better proportional action
when leveling. In addition you need some sort of method for the actuator to
be able to determine when retracting one leg would be preferential to
extending the other.

Third, a superior design (especially when using a narrow spread on the
supports) is to eliminate the leveling switch and measure the pressure
inside each hydraulic chamber. When combined with a curved (or mercury
filled) leveling switch as a failsafe (neutral safety switch for verticle
positioning), equal pressures in both chambers and a neutral position on the
leveling switch would indicated a level, stable bike. A microcontroller
could then be programmed to add one inch of height to both sides to raise
the rear wheel off the ground.

Lastly, and especially on bikes where size, weight and power consumption all
take their toll, over-engineering such a simple device as a kick-stand may
not be the best use of your talents. Follow the KISS principle.

Good luck with your project.

Cheers - Jonathan

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> pls check and comment on the new design of bike stand
>
>
> http://www.createthefuturecontest.com/pages/view/entriesdetail.html?entryID=798
>
 
...I think the beer bellies with beards would go for this...especially
if it was chrome plated!