UWE Bristol Engineering showcase 2015

Rohan Eden
Beng Robotics
Project Supervisor
Mathew Studley
Automatic Indicator Glove Accessory
Introduction
Cycling is an effective mode of transportation, and one that has been
increasing over the last 15+ years, where around 43% of the population of
the UK own a bicycle. A study revealed, based on reported cases, that
around 19 thousand cyclists have been injured and/or killed, where 3
thousand of these cases included reports of serious injuries, and deaths.
After analysing the data, the same study revealed that 2 to 3 thousand of
these reported incidents occurred of a night time, at or near a road junction.
Current methods of increasing visibility includes, but is not limited to, High
visibility jackets, front and rear lights, and reflectors. However, not every
cyclist wear gloves with high visibility.
A product is already available on the market, which includes a simple light
embedded in a pair of gloves. These gloves can be activated by pressing a
button on the glove that is to be used to notify and indication. This does
increase a cyclists visibility when indicating, but adds the requirement of
pressing a button, which is not always possible with one hand. No attempt
has been made in creating a simple system that would automatically activate
the light when the user begins indicating.
This Investigation implements an autonomous system to turn on a flashing
light when the user begins indicating. The investigation began with a simple
mechanism, which was used to determine the feasibility, and functionality of
the design implemented. After which additional activation mechanisms were
designed, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Introducing an
automatic element within the product, allows the user to indicate without
having to draw their attention away from the road, even for a split second.
The Device
Test Results
When Testing the device, it failed on half of the tests. The test were as
follows:
Flash rate test
Distance Test
Brightness Test
Power Test
The Device wast test using a 500mAh battery at 4.8 Volts.
It failed the flash rate test by flashing at rate that was determined to be
too slow. The test was carried out by asking 25 members of the public
to rate the flash on a scale of 1 to 9, 1 being too slow, and 9 being too
fast. It also failed the Brightness test. The light was deemed too bright,
and could potential become more hazardous than safe. 100 members
of the public rated the device on a scale of 1 to 9, 1 being too dim, and
9 being too bright. However for the Distance test, the device was
visible from a distance that is greater than the stopping distance of a
car travelling at 30 mph. This test was carried out of 5 individuals, who
has to decide whether the light on the device was visible from 10
metres to 50 metres in incrementing values of 10. The power test
determined that the device was able to operate within the stated
requirements.
Project summary
An investigation has been achieved to design and
develop a product capable of increasing a cyclist's
visibility in low light situations. A simple Indicator
attached to the cyclists wrist/back hand/glove has
been developed and prototyped, and the feasibility
of the final product had been investigated. This
Indicator was designed with autonomy in mind, and
worked efficiently and effectively. With further
development, and improvements, such as the ideas
drawn up, this product could be made available at a
reasonable price, without removing from the cycling
experience.
Project Objectives
3. Aims of the Investigation
The main aim, is to develop a working prototype that
is capable of reliably alerting motorists of an
indicating cyclist in low light situations, while still
being affordable for all cyclists.
Sub-aims:
Study the anthropometrics of the human hand
Design the housing for the electronics
Manufacturing processes for each stage of
development
Investigate all possible implementations for the
product
Project Conclusion
To conclude the investigation, the device was only
50% effective, and is not ready for purchase in it's
current state. A number of elements were not
investigated, or tested. If this device was being
developed and produced by a company, this would be
the first prototype to confirm proof of concept.