The Espirale Bell
Bell on flat-bar setup: Looks good!
Problem: Bicycle bells and other such modes of signalling do not work on drop bar bicycles in an ergonomic, easy-to-use fashion.
Bell (silver) on drop-bar set-up: Too far away!
Solution: Design a bicycle bell that can be actuated from both common drop-bar hand positions
“In the drops,” a ride position used for speed and aerodynamics
“On the hoods,” a ride position used for comfort and efficiency
The Initial Process: A six-month adventure of consumer surveys, studying competitors, and iterating through designs.
Below and Right 1 & 2: Competitor products taken apart and studied
Left: Cardboard mock-up of double-actuator design
Left: Calling in a professional consult at the local bike shop
The Manufacturing Phase: A six-month slalom of machine shop work and computer-aided design
Right: Using CNC lathe to fabricate the bell dome, as school makerspace does not have stamping capability
Left: Using water jet to cut initial actuator design
Right: 3-D printed mock-up
Left: Prototype, sans mount
Right: Prototype with 3-printed mount
Left: Making technical drawings
