(November 19, 2010)
Due to their small dimensions, lightweight and running accuracy, Kaydon Reali-Slim bearings, supplied by RA Rodriguez, have been selected for a high-tech bicycle wheel.
Known as the Copenhagen Wheel, the development enables a cyclist to store energy from braking and use it to provide an extra boost when overtaking or on tough gradients.
Using sensors and a wireless connection to an Iphone on the handlebars, it can also monitor speed, direction, traffic conditions, as well as collect data on air pollution.
A joint project undertaken by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Ducati Energia of Italy, the first goals of the Copenhagen Wheel are to promote cycling by extending the distance people can cover and making it a less exertive experience.
'The bike contains all you need so that no sensors or additional electronics need to be added to the frame and an existing bike can be retrofitted with the blink of an eye,' said Prof Carlo Ratti, director of the MIT Senseable City Lab.
'When you pedal forward the motor supplements your torque.
'When you pedal backwards to brake, the motor starts regenerating electric energy while reducing your speed,' he added.
As space is very tight in the drive system, Ducati Energia, the technical partner in the development of the wheel, chose Kaydon Reali-Slim thin-section radial bearings for the prototype.
The system features six bearings in four bore sizes ranging from 2in to 12in.
The Copenhagen Wheel is currently in the final prototyping phase and will go into production in June 2011, with a comparable price to that of a standard electric bike.
The complete range of Kaydon bearings is available in the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia from RA Rodriguez.
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