Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ Orviumarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
Orvium
Article
Data sources: Orvium
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
Orvium
Article
Data sources: Orvium
The Evolving Scholar
Article . Other literature type . 2023
https://doi.org/10.59490/64f21...
Article . 2023 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
https://doi.org/10.59490/65ba8...
Article . 2023 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
versions View all 6 versions
addClaim

This Research product is the result of merged Research products in OpenAIRE.

You have already added 0 works in your ORCID record related to the merged Research product.

Improvement of Cycling Efficiency for Drivetrains with Elasticity

Authors: Willem Den Boer;

Improvement of Cycling Efficiency for Drivetrains with Elasticity

Abstract

Test and modeling results are reported on a bicycle crankset with limited elasticity. Like record-breaking running shoes, the crank set has spring action which mitigates the effect of the dead zone during the pedal stroke. Fiber composite leaf springs are inserted inside the hollow carbon crank arms. The crank arms are not directly attached to the crank axle. Instead, sleeve bearings allow the crank arms to rotate by up to about five degrees relative to the crank axle. The rotation is counteracted by the springs and is proportional to applied torque at the pedals. The novel crank set and a conventional crank set with forged aluminum crank arms were both tested on a stationary bike. The ratio of effective speed to input power is used as a measure of cycling efficiency. Depending on the difference in torque during the downstroke and in the dead zone, this ratio is typically a few percent higher for the novel crankset than for a conventional crankset. Multiple tests show efficiency improvements in the range of 1 to 4% at power levels of 200 W and cadence of 71 rpm with average of around 2%. Details of a test with 2.3 % improvement are presented. This would translate, for example, into a one minute advantage in a 45 minute time trial. In an attempt to understand the test results computer modeling of bicycle speed and crank arm angular velocity vs. time was performed for non-elastic and and elastic crank arms. It is difficult to explain the test results with computer modeling unless it is assumed that conventional crank sets introduce energy losses in the drivetrain from twisting of the crank arms and flexing of the bicycle frame under load at the pedals and that these energy losses are reduced for the crank set with built-in elasticity.

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    citations
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
citations
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
bronze
Related to Research communities