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Revision as of 22:57, 8 March 2007

Research Observation

Research

After analyzing the current product, we decided to further study on what the user really want and need from a bicycle light set. To determine this we gathered our data through a survey that was distributed on a college campus, Carnegie Mellon Unversity. In this section we will discuss the information we gathered, and our observation through these information.

Survey Results

By March 06, 2007 we had 84 survyees completed our surveys. 100 percent of our surveyees are between the age group of 18 to 27 years old. About one third are females and two third are males. The followings are the few major questions that we had gain insightful information from.

1. Do you currently own a bicycle? (multiple choices)

• Yes: 35.7%
  
• No: 60.7%
  
• No, but I am planning to purchase on: 3.6%
  

(84 respondents)

2. How much did (will) you pay for your bicycle? (multiple choices)

• $0-$50: 0%
  
• $51-$100: 10.7%
  
• $101-$150: 32.1%
  
• $151-$200: 14.3%
  
• $201-$300: 7.1%
  
• $301-$400: 3.6%
  
• $401-$600: 3.6%
  
• $601+ : 0%
  
• I never nor plan to own a bike: 25%
  
• Other: 3.6%
  

(84 respondents)

3. How often do you (plan to) ride your bike? (multiple choices)

• Almost everyday: 14.3%
  
• Few times a week: 7.1%
  
• Few times a month: 10.7%
  
• Few times a year: 25%
  
• Once every few years: 3.6%
  
• I don't nor plan to ride a bike: 39.3%
  

(84 respondents)

4. Do you (plan to) ride your bike at night? If so, how often? (multiple choices)

• Almost everyday: 7.1%
  
• Few times a week: 10.7%
  
• Few times a month: 14.3%
  
• Few times a year: 10.7%
  
• Once every few years: 0%
  
• I don't nor plan to ride a bike: 57.1%
  

(84 respondents)

5. How appealing and feasible (willing to pay for) are the following features on a bicycle light set to you? (rating scale 1-5)

• Self powered (power generates as you pedal): 3.92
  
• Power storing capacity (light can still be on even when not pedaling: 3.89
  
• Detachable feature to use the headlight as portable flashlight when need to or anti-theft reason: 3.68
  
• Compatible to charge the light with outlets: 3.50
  
• Ability to provide power output to charge electronic devices (ie. ipod): 3.67
  
• Charge indicator (display whether if the batter is fully charged or out of battery): 3.96
  
• Light-sensitive sensor (to turn on/off the lights): 3.68
  
• LED light bulbs: 3.54
  
• Florescent light bulbs: 3.00
  
• Radio: 2.93
  
• Digital Clock: 3.18
  
• Compass: 3.25
  
• Multiple flashing mode: 3.18
  
• Adjustable brightness feature: 3.70
  
• Steering handel mount headlight: 3.21
  
• Top of front wheel mount headlight: 3.30
  
• Adjustable light positions: 3.54
  
• Turn signals: 3.70
  
• Electrical horn: 3.11
  

50 Design Concepts

Installation
1. User manual
2. Wire organizing device (straps)
3. Provide simple installation tools

Mechanical
4. Use magnetic force to turn the generator
5. Low friction bearings
6. High traction roller (Different material: Rubber or metal; Different shape)
7. Transfer torque from the chain
8. Transfer torque from the pedal crank
9. Transfer torque from the wheel shaft
10. Adjustable spring for generator to provide efficient contact with wheel
11. Lightweight materials for generator
12. Rubber washers to reduce vibration noise

Electrical
13. Storing capacity (built-in rechargeable battery pack)
14. Voltage regulator (zener diode is an option)
15. Options to use over the counter batteries
16. Full circuit wiring (does not use the frame as a conductor)
17. Divide the power output to both front and rear lights
18. Deliver more current to front lights when in motion, and to the rear lights when stopped
19. Charge output feature
20. Light-sensitive sensor (to turn it on/off)
21. Multiple flashing modes and control switch
22. Multiple brightness levels and control switch
23. Power on/off switch

Mounting
24. Able to mount device on bicycles with shocks
25. Able to mount device on the steering handle
26. Universal mount for the generator
27. Adjustable lamp positions
28. Able to detach device with quick release switch
29. Mount the generator on top of the front wheel
30. Special mount for bicycle with basket in the front
31. Velcro mount
32. Magnetic mount
33. Slip-on mount

Lighting
34. Multiple LED light bulbs for extra brightness
35. Florescent light bulbs
36. Maximize ground coverage through angled arrangement of lights
37. Turn signals

Features
38. Charge indicator
39. Incorporate a compass on the device
40. Detachable to use as flashlight
41. Can be charge through power outlet
42. Anti-theft design
43. Warranty
44. Radio
45. Electrical honk
46. Digital clock

Exterior
47. Water resistant design
48. Fog resistant lens cover
49. Aerodynamic design
50. Different color selections

Top Design Concepts

Design One | Power Storage Ability

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Problem
The generator stops when the bike is not in motion, cutting off the power delivery to the light. Thus putting the driver's safety at risk when he/she is about to cross a road in the dark.

Solution
Power is harnessed from the generator to recharge a battery pack, and then electricity is delivered from the battery pack to the light.


Design Two | Fully Wired Closed Circuit

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Problem
Traditional generators use the bicycle frame to ground the circuit. However, many modern bicycles use composite materials that do not conduct electricity.

Solution
A closed circuit is created with wires connecting to both the positive and negative terminals of all the components.

Design Three | Detachability, Charge Indicator, Power Button

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Problem
From our market survey, these features are preferred by most users.

Solution
A power button and a charge indicator is added to the light. The light can be mounted on a fixture that is securely attached to the bicycle frame.

Design Four | Chain-Mounted Generator

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Problem
Traditional dynamos wear out tires and are prone to slip in water and debris.

Solution
Although mechanically challenging, mounting the generator on the chain will solve the above problems, and in addition, maintain a stable voltage output.

Design Five | Detachability, Charge Indicator, Power Button

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Problem
It is difficult to guess a rider’s intended direction of turning, even more difficult in the dark and in a distance.

Solution
Divert power from the system to power up turn signal lights attached to multiple locations of bicycle.