Undergraduate Project Idea

The Derailleur chain-shifting mechanism is hard to beat for mechanical efficiency at any one speed, but frequent shifting entails some losses. One possible avenue of improvement would be to devise a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that was at least as efficient as a Derailleur.

Not a bad idea Tornado, but there a few ideas out there already. First is the autobike, and a (CVP) Continuously Variable Planetay, and electric/electronic derailleur.

But like everything under the sun, items can and are improved everyday.

Wasn't there also some thread or blog a while back about "string bikes"? (IIRC, they used a cogged timing-type belt instead of a chain. Maybe a bit less efficient, but no lube issues such as splashing, and quiet and light weight.)

Don't remember. I did look up string bike, interesting concept.

Design an 'ideas generation stimulator' this could be in the form of a spike or boot which replaces the saddle.
Just kidding.
I only say this because you are asking us to do the hard part, which is having the ideas. The rest is relatively easy to find out... it's the ideas which are hard.
I tell students that my job is to have bad ideas, cos I need to have plenty of bad ones to get to the good ones.
For a serious suggestion, maybe a built in anti theft device?
Del

Thank you Sirs.very novel ideas.any ideas on bringing in some form of flexibility,portability,efficiency in terms of energy and speed and perhaps integrating any mechatronic features?

As a cyclist myself, I've had a number of project ideas that unfortunately I've lacked the time to fully pursue. See what you think about some of these:

* A real-time power meter for performance cyclists (calculates power by measuring chain speed and chain tension).

* Front-wheel drive recumbent bicycle: allows extremely low profile for improved aerodynamics while keeping drivetrain compact. Major problem to solve here is how to isolate cranking torque from steering, assuming the front wheel would be the one to steer.

* A pedal-powered hydrofoil or other high-efficiency boat. Seems a shame that sea kayakers can only use their arms for propulsion!

* A simple and inexpensive pedal-powered generator for making electricity in off-grid locations. I actually built one of these using a mountain bike and an automotive alternator. The rear wheel rim acted as a sheave (I removed the rubber tire), driving a large V-belt which in turn directly spun the alternator. The rider's weight tensioned the belt. Very simple, and I was able to get 200 watts continuous out of it at my best. Bascially, this would be a project geared toward electrification of rural villages: something they could build with resources relatively easy to obtain, and practical enough to power LED lights, radios, etc.