Pop-Out Handlebar (iteration 2)
The team further improved the design of the 3rd round prototype for this “works-like” prototype. Materials other than cardboard were used, as the team utilized a trip to Lowes and 3D printing. PVC piping was used for the inner and outer tubes, and the locking mechanism was designed in Solidworks and 3D printed. The locking mechanism was attached to the inner tube with a small rod that was also 3D printed. This inner tube was attached to a spring, and place inside the outer tube. When the inner tube gets pushed in, the locking mechanism rides along the inside edge of the outer tube until it reached the point where it locks into place. At this point, the small spring inside the inner tube forced the edge of the locking mechanism up into the cut out hole of the outer tube, locking the inner tube in place. When the button edge is pushed down, the locking edge also moves down below the locking point on the outer tube, and the inner tube shoots out into place.
The team also began working on the LED aspect of the handlebar. For the current iteration, an arduino and simple LED/button circuit was used to convey use. When the button is pressed, the LED blinks for a set duration of time. The team needs to further figure out how to integrate this into the handlebar in future iterations.
Problem areas that need to be addressed:
- The spring that was used was too powerful. The hot glue could not hold the inner tube when it was sprung out, and the inner tube broke away from the spring. This new spring will also address the issue of how far the inner tube will shoot out. This spring will need to be ordered.
- The rod that held together the locking mechanism broke off during a test. The team might have to consider using a stronger material in further iterations.
- The button is an issue. The button that the team 3D printed did not work out. The button needs improvement, and will require an overhaul of the inner and outer tubing (which the team planned for anyway).
- The team is going to have to redesign the tubes and outer grip. Using PVC pipe was useful to show how we wanted this prototype to work, and affirm that our locking mechanism works. However, the team needs more design freedom, and this will only be accomplished if we design our own inner/outer tubing and grip.
- The team needs to next figure out how to integrate the wiring for the light into the handle.
- The team would ultimately prefer to use LED strips instead of LED lights. These strips will need to be acquired soon.