Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EVOTRANS (Advanced Transmission System for Bicycles)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2016-07-01 al 2016-11-30
Every year more than 120 million bicycles are sold in the world; however, the persistent problem of abruptness and unreliability of the chainring shifting remains unsolved. The reason that in a multi-speed bicycle the chainring shifting is far worse than the cog shifting is due to the chain is moved while it is transmitting the propelling power. The solution proposed by ZUMA is based on the latest mechatronic technologies to achieve a solution from an innovative point of view in which it is the non-stressed chainring the one moving towards the tensioned chain.
From the first prototype, it has been seen that this new way of proceeding brings about a smoother, more precise and more reliable shifting. Subsequently a series of virtual prototypes have been developed - for the analysis by simulations - and physical prototypes - for experimental tests - to optimize the force transfer between chainrings, minimizing the required actuation energy, simplifying the whole electro-pneumatic system and lightening the solution. The prototypes have also been evolving to simplify the design, to facilitate the manufacture, and decrease the cost of production. But prior to commercialization, additional prototypes are still needed to improve the robustness and reliability, as well as the integration and design, and also new features as an innovative automatic shifting to bring usability to unprecedented levels. This innovative technical development has so far resulted in 5 European patents (3 requested and 2 in preparation) that will determine a very significant competitive advantage when entering the market.
It is expected that a product with such significant advantages in efficiency and ease of use to generate a great impact in the market of transmissions of road, city and mountain bikes, valued as a whole in 2,600 million euros. In a first product, the estimated manufacturing costs only makes it feasible in the high-end road market at 1,770 € cost, where up to 25,000 units per year could be sold worldwide for a total income of 44 million euros. A strong international distribution network is currently being assembled to reach this important target market. Later application of scale economies will reduce the price of the product and it will be possible to extend the solution to other market levels, being the ultimate goal the access to city bikes, where the unparalleled ease of use of ZUMA’s solution will make real differences, even with the capacity of attracting new users to this market and helping to promote the use of bicycles as a sustainable mean of transport.