Cycling is wholesome, keeps the body supple, exercises the joints, and strengthens the muscles. A corporation that places the super cost on consolation is Ergon International GmbH, which manufactures ergonomic bicycle add-ons. The handlebar plays a vital position in cycling comfort. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF are working with the Koblenz-based organization on techniques and gear to accelerate and digitalize the improved system for ergonomic bicycle grips.
Spring is in the air, and the sun is shining: time for many cycling enthusiasts to get their motorcycles out of the basement and ride out into the nation-state. However, the longer the experience, the more uncomfortable they experience: their neck will become stiff, their hands will experience numbness, and their knees will begin to pain. According to research, 50 and ninety percent of all cyclists suffer from such lawsuits. The Koblenz-primarily based producer of bicycle add-ons, Ergon International GmbH, is aware of those issues. To make cycling as easy as possible and assist cyclists in avoiding aches and pains, this SME (small and medium-sized corporation) develops ergonomic bicycle grips. During the improvement of the system, it receives help from Fraunhofer LBF. As a part of the SME four.0 Center of Competence Darmstadt (see the field), researchers at LBF contribute their knowledge to the handlebar development method.
Virtual, numerical model takes into account parameters that include stress distribution.”Grips are often designed based on experience, with the input of ergonomics specialists, designers, and cloth specialists. This way, preliminary prototypes are created, which can be examined and evaluated with check cyclists’ aid. The feedback from the testers is subjective, and the effects are frequently difficult to breed,” says Jan Hansmann, a scientist at Fraunhofer LBF. To shorten the take-a-look-at stages, lay a more effective development manner, and reduce fabric prices, the venture partners worked closely together to plot a technique to permit a preliminary verification of the characteristics of bicycle handles using numerical simulation.
Using a finite detail software program, Hansmann and his colleagues create a virtual, numerical version of the take care of and the hand, which takes into account diverse parameters, including substances, material composition, strain distribution, damping, hand geometry, and the different elements of the hand inclusive of muscles, skin, bones, and tissue. The intention is to provide grips that the bicycle owner does not feel, easing the strain on the wrist and dam, opening the little bumps, and absorbing the vibrations on lengthy cycle rides. “If you try out prototypes with distinct materials, you have to manufacture extraordinary substances earlier thus and undergo the injection molding procedure repeatedly. With the aid of the simulation, you want fewer iterations. As opposed to six one-of-a-kind prototype models, you most effectively want,” says Hansmann, explaining a bonus of digitalization. “We’re capable of determining initial mechanical characteristics even before an actual prototype is produced.” Another benefit: The technique can also be transferred to different add-ons and the saddle.
To be capable of comparing various grips, the group of researchers executed additional tests, the effects of which were additionally taken into consideration within the simulation: Using vibration checks in the laboratory, Hansmann and his colleagues take a look at how vibrations – this is applicable, particularly to riding mountain bikes or racers – affect the tiring of the decrease arms. The needful acceleration and force measurement values were decided using electromyography (EMG).
Fewer prototypes were wanted thanks to simulation. The new method permits an initial, brief evaluation of grips while not having to manufacture prototypes. Although check runs are nonetheless required, the variety of prototype editions is decreased. Furthermore, the checks may be performed all year spherical, irrespective of the season, and the range of topics to be taken a look at can also be reduced. This consequences in a quicker development technique. Besides, there are financial savings regarding tool and manufacturing expenses within the development phase. “Digitalization may benefit us, so we must preserve and build up know-how on this location. The improvement of bicycle grips will likely be the first of many initiatives we behavior with a digital guide,” says Franc Arnold, CEO of Ergon International GmbH, underscoring the success of the collaboration.
