This project is ongoing as of 10/2024, it will be completed by 12/2024
This project entailed the design, market analysis, and product development of a novel bike bell. The design addressed a number of inadequacies present in existing products. Existing bells lack compatibility with drop-bar bicycles (e.g. "road bikes). This is particularly evident with respect to unergonomic actuation methods. To address these pain points, a unique bike bell was designed to better serve this demographic of bicyclists.
One noteworthy aspect of the design is that it employs a double-action mechanism (best known for it's application in early revolvers in the late 1800's). This is the first application of such a mechanism in a non-firearm related application, based on current literature review.
Significant iteration was required to ensure that the striker path of the hammer (striker) could reliably impact the inner face of the brass bell dome. A good deal of knowledge was gained with respect to optimizing material properties within this context. Material compliances were tuned to allow strong striker contact, and thorough analysis of acoustics was performed to optimize for loudness, sound directionality, and efficiency of sound in alerting others on the roadway to the operator's presence.
Lastly, this project entailed the creation of exhaustive engineering drawings and required a design-for-manufacture approach from conception to completion.
