h a l f b a k e r yThe leaning tower of Piezo
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This product is a unicycle that can be locked together with other similar unicycles to form a rigid'ish chain. It can also be operated by an expert without being linked up.
Construction: unicycle made of carbon-fibre componentry with motive pedals located around the wheel hub which contains
the usual: cvt/gearing, regenerative and generative coil-spring, and coaster brake. Semaphore turn signals operated by a small lever under the seat; braking semaphore operated by engaging both levers and also by the coaster brake, itself. There is a linking tube that extends forward from underneath the seat. The entire unit is very lightweight and collapsible.
Linkage Detail: the link is a tube that extends from under the seat (approximate CG) and clamps onto the rear of another unicycle to form part of a chain. When attached it "locks up" and has no play vertically and only a limited amount horizontally. Inside the tube are linkages for the "communal braking" system: if any one rider in the chain applies the brakes, all do. It also has a small cross beam with handles which you can grab for better balance while attached. The rod can be detached from the 'cycle in front via a small lever. While stopped, the rider can detach the trailing rider's rod from his own via another small lever.
Operation:
Joining a Chain: walk to the nearest stoplights and wait for one going your way to stop at the lights. Connect to the rearmost unicycle or replace any riders that are either turning or getting off.
Leaving a Chain: disconnect from the leading unicycle and apply brakes; this will stop you and everybody behind you. If you're turning, signal to give the people behind a chance to disconnect from you. Common courtesy states that if there's only one person behind you, you stop the entire chain before you disconnect; this allows him/her to rejoin the chain in your old position.
Advantages compared to a bicycle:
- about a third of the weight compared to a steel-framed bicycle;
- secure: when you get to the office, just toss it under the desk; no need to invest in a lock that weighs and costs as much as the 'cycle;
- more efficient: you're pushing less weight around.
- cheaper compared to a bicycle with similar features (regen, carbon-fibre)
[link]
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It's a nice idea but I suspect that it won't work in practice because of freeloaders. Tandems are bad enough, once you're riding with a group of strangers noone will be willing to put much effort in. And that's before you factor in that more effort is needed to make up for the added stop-starts. |
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Maybe you could add some sort of effort monitor so people know when they were breaking even. |
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[Loris] having seen many posts which go on and on and on and on about minutiae, I decided to skip some of the details, but as long as you're asking :) ....
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...an embedded processor, run by a small generator in the hub (which also supplies power for the GPSNav stuff) links up with the other 'cycles' systems to determine who isn't pulling their weight (literally) and delivers a shock to that person's hindquarters. |
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I am not a Unicyclist, but I've never heard of one with coaster brakes. How would you balance at a light if you can't pedal backwards. Second, the system suffers a lot in aerodynamics because unicyclist is usually verticle. |
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//How would you balance at a light if you can't pedal backwards<coaster brakes>//
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Solo Mode...
locks the wheel directly to the pedals (bypassing cvt, spring and brakes) so you can careen wildly down the street knocking over stray dogs and garden gnomes to your heart's desire. |
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//aerodynamics//
The linkage bar has a crosspiece near the front (as well as the one closer to the seat) so you can lean forward. The "marathon" model is available with a bullet-shaped shroud that encloses the operator (and is open at the back), but of course you can't simply tuck it under your arm anymore. |
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It occurs to me that this could be a "plug-in" concept as well, for the more sedate commuter, though I suppose the only power-savings advantage over a discrete battery-powered bicycle would be a 15-20lb weight difference |
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I have a vision.
A long chain of unicyclists thunderng towards the centre of town when Fred in the middle decides he needs to make an emergancy rest stop and forgets to signal his disconnect or even brake in his anxiety.
Half a chain of unicyclists follow Fred and plough into the nearest public convenience as most were daydreaming, reading books or otherwise just peddling in the safe knowledge that someone up front was doing the steering. |
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Worth a [+] just for that vision |
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[RattyBunyip] I think I have that covered: as posted, applying the brakes on one unicycle applies them on all; so in your scenario only one person in the departing chain would have to be awake enough to notice the veering off. Also as posted one can disconnect from the unicycle in front while moving (whereas disconnecting the person behind can only be accomplished while stopped). |
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If you get a long enough chain, the front operator could surreptitiously link to the rear operator, thereby forming a ring. |
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