Designing a mudguard with integrated lighting system
BrinkmanT
Posts: 2
Good Afternoon all,
I am in the research stage of my final design project which will be the crowning centre piece to my Product Design Bsc here at Bournemouth University. After long and hard deliberation I have settled on the design of a mudguard (thinking along the lines of SKS chromolplast i.e. permenant/semi permenat fixings to frame) with integrated lighting. The power for the lighting will come from induction coils similar to the system used in the Reelight units.
I've had Reelight clones on my bike for a year now and been very impressed with their workman like qualities, I've done literally nothing to them in the way of maintenance and they have soldiered on through daily use. However they are far to low and not bright enough to be used on their own. By incorporating them into mudguards they can be placed in a position where they can be seen. They also have the advantage of not needing batteries with all the advantages that brings.
I've got a lot of experience of riding my own bike through the mean streets of Bournemouth and Amsterdam so have experienced many of the delights of night riding. But I haven't cycled much in other cities and most of my journeys are short. So I am appealing to all of you that make commuter journeys for your thoughts and insights.
The mudguard will be aimed at commuters and what I am calling utility cyclists (people who use their bicycles as transport around cities, hoping on and off to pop to the shops or bars) and will aim to be a product that provides protection from the elements as well as a highly visible light source.
Now for the questions;
Q.1 I was thinking of having a large (50mm x 300mm) strip of constant red light on the rear mudguard, would you prefer a flashing mode?
Q.2 Do you use panniers and if so do they obscure any of the mudguard when viewed from behind?
Q.3 Would you feel safe with only a large strip of light at the back of your bike?
Q.4 What would you be willing to pay for such a product?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ideas I have proposed, the more feedback the better.
Many thanks
Trevor Brinkman
I am in the research stage of my final design project which will be the crowning centre piece to my Product Design Bsc here at Bournemouth University. After long and hard deliberation I have settled on the design of a mudguard (thinking along the lines of SKS chromolplast i.e. permenant/semi permenat fixings to frame) with integrated lighting. The power for the lighting will come from induction coils similar to the system used in the Reelight units.
I've had Reelight clones on my bike for a year now and been very impressed with their workman like qualities, I've done literally nothing to them in the way of maintenance and they have soldiered on through daily use. However they are far to low and not bright enough to be used on their own. By incorporating them into mudguards they can be placed in a position where they can be seen. They also have the advantage of not needing batteries with all the advantages that brings.
I've got a lot of experience of riding my own bike through the mean streets of Bournemouth and Amsterdam so have experienced many of the delights of night riding. But I haven't cycled much in other cities and most of my journeys are short. So I am appealing to all of you that make commuter journeys for your thoughts and insights.
The mudguard will be aimed at commuters and what I am calling utility cyclists (people who use their bicycles as transport around cities, hoping on and off to pop to the shops or bars) and will aim to be a product that provides protection from the elements as well as a highly visible light source.
Now for the questions;
Q.1 I was thinking of having a large (50mm x 300mm) strip of constant red light on the rear mudguard, would you prefer a flashing mode?
Q.2 Do you use panniers and if so do they obscure any of the mudguard when viewed from behind?
Q.3 Would you feel safe with only a large strip of light at the back of your bike?
Q.4 What would you be willing to pay for such a product?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ideas I have proposed, the more feedback the better.
Many thanks
Trevor Brinkman
0
