Magnetorheological platform dampers for mountain bikes

D. C. Batterbee; N. D. Sims

doi:10.1117/12.811984

31 March 2009 Magnetorheological platform dampers for mountain bikes

D. C. Batterbee, N. D. Sims

Proceedings Volume 7290, Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies 2009; 72900B (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.811984
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Full suspension mountain bicycles exhibit unwanted suspension movement during pedalling. Damper manufacturers frequently adopt what is known as platform damping to overcome this problem. Such dampers resist low frequency pedalling inputs due to the presence of a threshold or 'platform' damping level. However, this platform compromises shock absorption ability over rougher terrain. In this paper, the authors describe a prototype rear shock absorber that utilises magnetorheological (MR) fluids to implement semi-active platform damping. Results from recent field trials will be presented, and the current status of commercialising the system will be discussed.

Citation Download Citation

D. C. Batterbee and N. D. Sims "Magnetorheological platform dampers for mountain bikes", Proc. SPIE 7290, Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies 2009, 72900B (31 March 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.811984

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available