I'm playing with the idea of making a bike powered "sweeper" to clear off the sticks, leaves and other debris that collects on the local MUP. I'm looking for design ideas and I know this forum is full of engineering minded bicycle enthusiasts.
Here is some of my brainstorming so far-
Sweep or Blow?
• a Sweep mechanism would be more effective but requires fabricating more parts (More $$$ too)
• I already have a gas powered blower I could modify so I'm leaning this direction
Trailer Mounted?
• I think I can weld up a simple trailer from some scrap I have laying around.
• A trailer would allow others to use the device too.
Blower Nozzle
• Least ammount of bends from motor to outlet for maximum power transfer
• Single outlet like stock leaf blower or "gang" outlet allowing several smaller streams of air?
Other-
• How to secure blower to trailer?
• How to attach trailer to bike?
• Trailer size and dimensions?
• Routing of tubing from blower?
If anyone has any ideas and wants to share them please do. Bonus points for MS Paint drawings or other images.
Thanks,
Ryan
Tex_Arcana
02-26-08, 12:28 PM
A blower is going to be pretty ineffective against the stuff that you really want to get off the path like broken glass and bit of metal especially at bike speeds. I tend to do the ride, see hazard, stop, use broom and go method.
The thought I had when I saw the title was some type of rotary sweeper on a junk bike that was rotated by friction with the front tire. Kinda like a human powered street sweeper.
EricJ
02-26-08, 01:43 PM
Bike powered sweeper kind of implies, well, that it's powered by bike. A gas powered sweeper pulled by a bike seems like only half an idea.
How about a trailer full of brooms where you stop, pull out a broom, sweep as required, rinse, repeat? Not as interesting, but it would get the job done, probably just as fast if you factor in the development time of a mechanized sweeper of some kind. I liked your shovel holder, and the subsequent job you did on the trail. Outstanding community service, Ryan.
Eric
wahoonc
02-26-08, 02:22 PM
I think you could rework something like one of the yard sweepers to work. I am not a fan of anything that makes noise ie; leaf blowers. BTW what are you trying to clear off the path? leaves, cut grass, large sticks, logs? Here is a website (http://www.nextag.com/lawn-sweeper/search-html) with a few different models listed. I would try my local AgriSupply place and see what they have for ideas. IIRC Sears may sell them too.
The problem with just using a manual broom is that the trail I'd like to sweep is literally several miles long. To sweep it once by hand would be great but to build a device to sweep it regularly would be even better.
The device does not have to be effective at full bike speed (10+mph), but needs to be faster than doing it by hand. I'd LOVE to get one of these: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200354730_200354730
but they cost too much for me to justify the purchase of one. I don't see the city buying one for me to use to clear their trail either.
Using pedal power to operate a sweeper is a great idea but you'd need stronger legs than me if the pedals power the foward motion AND the sweeper. A gas motor would add about 35lbs, but on a trailer that shouldn't be unmanageable. (Lots of hills around here)
I'm working on a temporary solution (similar to the shovel rack but for brooms/dustpan) to clear the worst part of the trail that runs next to a road. Lots of glass, trash, and various car parts along that section. But I'd still love to build a real sweeper for regular cleanup too.
Thanks for the ideas.
StephenH
02-26-08, 06:09 PM
I'd suggest mounting a dozen or more gas leaf blowers on your bike pointing backwards. You could then clear the trail and wouldn't even need to pedal.