Ergonomic Design and Evaluation of Innovative MainStand of Motorcycle

Abstract

Tremendous growth of motor powered two wheeler (motorcycles, scooters etc.) sector, not only creates problems related to traffic and pollution but also imposing a big concern for parking space management. In one hand, the use of main/central stand is strenuous due to load lifting while on the other hand, use of side stand occupies more parking spaces due to inclined position of the motorcycles/scooters. It is often find that female and young-adults avoid using the manually operated main-stand due to high amount of force requirement. They generally prefer to use side-stand. Keeping in mind the fact of space constraint, in the present research an attempt made to demonstrate design and development of user-friendly innovative main-stand for motorcycle. Following identification of biomechanical problems (e.g. excessive force exertion) associated with commonly available main-stand during parking; literature review was carry out to find out the status of research and development in the previously mentioned field of main-stand design. After user survey, brainstorming was perform to develop initial concept models by using black box diagram and functions requirement. The best concept was selected using Pugh chart analysis. In embodiment design, Ashby charts used for material and manufacturing process selection for the best concept. The 3-D CAD model was developed and FEA analysis performed. Then, prototype was built for real user testing. Effectiveness of the newly developed main-stand was compared with the existing/available one in terms of user feedback and physiological parameter (like heart rate) during the use of the stand. Manufacturing and marketing of such redesigned main-stand would definitely address the issue of scarcity of parking space in metro cities or congested marked places/crowded localities in over populated countries like India.