Reflection
I had a ton of fun working on the Minibike Project with my partners Tommy and Michael. I learned much and out project turned out great. I look forward to riding it around more.
We started off brainstorming ideas for what out makerfaire project should be. We created a decision matrix to figure out which of our ideas would be the best option. The minibike tied with the drift trike, but we decided do create the minibike because we had a greater interest in it.
My partners and I were originally going to use an old scooter frame to mount the engine onto and create the minibike out of. We took the scooter apart and grinded off the extra metal. But, we came to the conclusion that purchasing a cheap minibike would be a better option than using the scooter frame. The scooter was extremely small and not as durable. We bought the minibike and it needed a ton of work.
The engine that came with the minibike was very small so we got an old engine from the auto shop that was not working and fixed it. In addition, we created a mount for the engine and mounted the engine to the frame. We cleaned all the parts and then repainted the frame in metallic blue. Tommy, Michael, and I added a throttle, connected a kill switch, and added a clutch on the engine. Also, we touched up additional small things on the bike. After we renovated the old and inoperative minibike we first bought, it looked brand new.
Next, we had to add an electrical component. We decided to make headlights and brake lights. For the headlights we used and arduino and a photocell so when in the dark, the lights automatically turn on. We soldered LEDs and put them in tubing to create the headlights. For the brake lights, we soldered three LEDs for each side of the bike. When the rider hits the brakes, a metal to metal connection occurs and the LEDs light up. Like the headlights, we also put the LEDs and their wiring into a tube.
I had a blast working on this project and I am very happy with the finish product. We achieved everything we wanted to get done and learned in the process. It was my first time soldering and working with engines. I learned a lot about how motorcycles work and also got more experience using Inventor Pro 2018.
Minibike Video
STEM Principles
Science– The movement of a minibike and its parts is due to forces affecting them. This is a section of physics called classical mechanics. We are also using circuits to wire all the LEDs and make the LEDs light when it is dark outside using the photocell.
Technology– An arduino and photocell will be used to make LEDs light on the bike when it turns dark so drivers are able to see the minibike when driving.
Engineering– We are recycling old materials to make the frame for the minibike and the rear wheel. We are also using code to make the LEDs light when it turns dark outside.
Mathematics– Measurements will need to be taken of the length of metal so we are able to make a balanced and even frame for the minibike. We are going to need to use addition and subtraction to make everything as even as possible so the minibike will be balanced.
Makerfaire Proposal
Makerfaire Presentation
Brainstorming
-Foldable longboard
-Motorized skateboard
-Solar powered drone
-Minibike
-Drift trike
– Mini longboard
Decision Matrix
Code
Pictures
3D Modeling
References
B., & I. (2017, October 30). Mini Bike Made From Electric Scooter Frame. Retrieved December
17, 2017, from
http://www.instructables.com/id/mini-bike-made-from-electric-scooter-frame/
C. (2016, October 27). Making a Motorised Go Cart with NO WELDER and simple tools #1 –
Chassis/Engine. Retrieved December 17, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuRV-uXGy1w
M. (2011, December 01). Mini bike made from scooter frame 6.5hp. Retrieved December 17,
2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUceiz-PYxs
Chris Schreiber 