A level D.T project

2tired2ride

For my AS level D.T project, I have designed a seatpost with an intergrated rear LED light. The light can be slid up and down along a runner and fixed into postion using a quick release clamp for individual adjustment for postioning, which is set into the seatpost. The light cannot be stolen as it is securely set into the runners, so as long as the seatpost is secure, it is theft proof.

You will see that I have designed the seapost clamp to be one bolt as most two bolt systems are more difficult to set up, and can befiddly.

As part of my project I require feedback regaurding my design idea.

Any comments you would be great.

Thanks

whyamihere

A few points:

1. It looks like there's either no or very little adjustment of saddle angle. There's also no way that I can see for the bolt to follow the saddle angle if it is adjusted, meaning there will be poor clamping.
2. The part of the post that the cradle sits on looks very flimsy. I'm quite light, and I would never ride that as I'm pretty sure it would snap on any impact.
3. I assume the batteries are inside the seatpost? That will be hard to access for changing the batteries. Not sure where could be better for it though...
4. Make the backing section into a red reflector.
5. I would make the LED section shorter. Reason: I use a horizontal top tube frame, without a huge amount of seatpost showing. It looks like the LEDs would just about fit between the saddle clamp and the frame, but what if I want to use a saddle bag, as I do on my weekend rides? I wouldn't be able to move it down far enough to make all the LEDs visible under the saddle bag.
6. I really don't like the idea of the slot being on the back of the post. If the user isn't using mudguards, that is where all the crap from the rear wheel is flung. With the slot at the back, water and mud can easily run down the slot and into the frame through the gap between frame and post caused by the slot. Having the slot at the front reduces this problem, though doesn't eliminate it.

Beeblebrox

Looks good and is a smart idea.

Only downside I could see is how do you change the batteries? Also, something that is pretty desirable is rechargeable batteries - I wouldn't want to remove the seat every few weeks, requiring readjustment when replaced.

Still, like I said, it's a nice design - has it been drawn on Sketchup? It's something that could well turn the head of casual cyclists if buying a new bike and probably a good upgrade for many more 'serious amateurs' who don't want to spoil the lines of their bikes with clunky lights.

Throlkim

Something like that would be pretty sweet with a magnetic dynamo running on the rear wheel. Though I would think that that is an addition which may be beyond your budget/timescale at AS level.

2tired2ride

whyamihere wrote:

A few points:

Thanks those points are really helpful.

Beeblebrox wrote:

has it been drawn on Sketchup?

The pictures/drawings have been created using SoildWorks.

Thanks for all your comments and keep them coming please

Thanks

always_tyred

I like "design" but not for its own sake. It has to (a) solve a problem and (b) be functional.

I think posters have addressed (b). But what problem does your design solve, and what problems does it creat? How is this not addressed more effectively by a simple plastic band adapted to fit around any tubular member, to which a demountable LED light can be adjustably secured? Your solution is more complex, more expensive and isn't as adaptable.

However.... make it an aero post and you might be on to something (resilient plastic clamps don't work as well with them).

Note - I'm not a teacher!!

Jay dubbleU

Two points - first instead of an LED light why not make it a reflector - that gets rid of the problem of changing batteries etc and is a neat way of providing a legal requirement for the bike

Second you need to build a tilt angle into the seat clamp - adjustment forward and backwards is fine but you also need to be able to alter the angle of the saddle

Kieran_Burns

If it was me, I would (as said above) use a reflective material for the base section and to resolve the battery issue why not have a battery pack at the front? Either a plug in rechargeable pack or a 2xaaa (or aa) module. (removeable or not)

You need to ensure that the LEDS are horizontal so they must be vertically adjustable or the LED post itself be moveable / locked. i.e. can swivel outwards / inwards and then be locked into the correct position

Have considered different lighting modes? Flashing, steady. strobe, random? If you have a slimline front section you may be able to fit in the electronics that would allow this.

The only issue of course is that it does preclude the use of a saddle bag.

2tired2ride

Always Tyred wrote:

make it an aero post and you might be on to something

That was one of my intial ideas, but I desided not to make it as it would be harder to produce a final model for that idea.

Thanks



Any more comments welcome

Thanks