Pisate Virangkabutra. The Design of a Portaging Tool for Transporting Bicycles. Master's Degree(Human-Centered Design). King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. KMUTT Library. : King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, 2008.
The Design of a Portaging Tool for Transporting Bicycles
Abstract:
Commuting by bicycle has gained more and more popularity in recent years due to
environmental, economic and socials factors. In Bangkok this trend is also catching on,
with more and more people commuting by bicycle. Unfortunately, the traffic system in
Bangkok does not facilitate this kind of transportation. Bicycle commuters need to
work around traffic issues and one such issue is crossing the road which, in Bangkok,
means crossing over numerous public footbridges. The purpose of this study was to find
a means of assisting cyclists to overcome obstacles, such as public footbridges, when
commuting. A methodology was then developed to design and evaluate a tool to
facilitate cyclists in lifting and carrying their bicycle up and down such footbridges.
Seven test subjects were recruited to participate in the testing of the designed apparatus.
The participants, aged between 28 and 39 years were in good health and exercised
regularly, with some riding bicycles recreationally and three being regular users. Every
test subject wore the Heart rate monitor. The participants were required to conduct two
rounds as part of the test: one not using the apparatus and one using the designed
apparatus. Based on heart rate monitor, comfort rating scale and Body map results, the
researcher was able to conclude the results by comparing all the information from using
and not using the apparatus. Based on these results the researcher was able to conclude
that the apparatus designed as a lifting tool could facilitate a better lifting and carrying
performance by reducing the use of energy. Moreover, use of the apparatus encouraged
participants to employ a standardized lifting technique (i.e. every subject lifted the
bicycle in a uniform manner rather than arbitrarily) which has the potential to minimize
discomfort and injury.
King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. KMUTT Library