During our visit to the Eurobike 2019 fair, we found an interesting display of innovative engineering ideas. Especially two projects caught our eye, that are both daring and innovative at the same time.

New drivetrain from CeramicSpeed
It’s quite unusual to see a complete redesign of a drivetrain. Usually, innovation is approached within the standard chain and derailleur configuration that we all know. However, CeramicSpeed is attempting to break the mould with its new concept drivetrain called „Driven„. It uses a dual Pinion configuration with a fixed front Pinion and a split rear Pinion that handles the gear shifts. The Pinions are made up of a ring of CeramicSpeed bearings which form the method of engagement. The gear change is wireless with the shifting mechanism, actuator and rechargeable battery housed inside the hollow carbon shaft. By splitting the rear Pinion each half can move independently with gear changes using what CeramicSpeed describes as a “step and follow pattern”. They have been working with the University of Colorado’s Mechanical Engineering Department on the project and it looks both stunning and daring! For a closer look on how it works, check out their video.

Titomic: Additive-manufactured carbon and titanium
The company uses a technology called „Titomic Kinetic Fusion“ for the application of cold-gas dynamic spraying of titanium alloy particles onto a scaffold to produce a load-bearing structure. As with the tube-and-lug frame they exhibited at Eurobike, this can be used to create small components, which are then fused via carbon tubing. Titomic also showed a 3D printed carbon frame they developed together with their partner Varuu cycles. This clearly shows the potential of additive manufacturing in the cycling industry.

Since 1984, MTB Cycletech has been an independent bicycle manufacturer, following its own path. The brand creates quality and originality through courage, independence and lateral thinking. As a niche bicycle manufacturer, MTB Cycletech succeeds in bringing products to the market that are decisive and by which they can be measured.

We are looking forward to supporting MTB Cycletech in a new project in the field of FEM analysis and to continue our successful cooperation.

Project Circleg is an appropriate modular lower-limb prosthetic system designed for the needs of amputees in developing countries. By smart design and the utilization of recycled plastic waste in combination with adapted production methods, the Circleg prosthesis can be produced locally and cost-efficient. The ambitious goal of Project Circleg is to equip as many people as possible, who previously had no access to a prosthesis, with such an aid and at the same time strengthen local economies.

Radiate is happy to be a new consulting partner for the recently formed Zurich based startup. We will conduct a series of Engineering & Design workshops together with the Circleg-Team and will further advise and support them on technical issues and challenges in the area of FEM modeling and optimization of the prosthesis system in order to push Project Circleg one step ahead.

On April 17th Radiate Engineering hosted an Apéro at the in-house Prototyping Lab.  Around 40 people enjoyed a lively exchange alongside oriental food, drinks and snacks. Among the guests were numerous customers and business partners of Radiate Engineering, such as people from Fotokite, CADFEM, 9tlabs, Formpol, Tribecraft, Nose, CWA and Scott.

We would like to thank all our guests for coming and are already looking forward to the next Apéro!