Design Optimization of Speed Ratio for Conventional Chain Drive Used In Tricycle
Chetan A. Samarth1, A. K. Mahalle2
1Chetan A. Samarth ,Research Scholar, Mechanical Department, G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur, India.
2Arvind K. Mahalle, Associate professor, Mechanical Department, G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur, India.
Manuscript received on May 01, 2012. | Revised Manuscript received on May 29, 2012. | Manuscript Published on June 10, 2012. | PP: 40-43 | Volume-1 Issue-1, June 2012. | Retrieval Number: A111051112 /2012©BEIESP
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Abstract: The present paper is work to optimize the speed ratio done to improve the efficiency of cycling. Various design changes in the components of chain drive mechanism of bicycle has been done to increase the mechanical advantage. In the previous study the mechanical efficiency of cycling was investigated with new developed pedal-crank prototype (PP). The efficiency values were compared with those obtained, in the same experimental conditions and with the same subjects, by using a standard pedal–crank system (SP). the improvements in the efficiency of cycling observed in this study were rather small (about 2%) and apparent only at the higher load tested . further study also attempted to design a non-circular chainring that increases the crank power by 2.9% compared to a conventional circular chainring. Increase in the average crank power was the result of the optimal chainring slowing down the crank velocity during the down stroke (power phase) to allow muscle to generate power longer and produce more external work but the data also showed that the chainring with higher eccentricity increased negative muscle work following the power phase due to muscle activation-deactivation dynamics. This paper proposes to measure the optimal gear ratio as well as design of sprockets for the drive system of tricycle. The study provides guideline, design specification and performance measure to design efficient drive system.
Keywords: Mechanical efficiency, non-circular chainring, pedal-crank prototype (PP).