Bicycle wind tunnel testing device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle wind tunnel testing device and method. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device comprises a base; the first roller and the second roller are respectively arranged on the base and are used for enabling a front wheel of a to-be-tested bicycle to be in contact with the first roller and enabling a rear wheel of the to-be-tested bicycle to be in contact with the second roller; a pair of brackets connected to the base and supporting the bicycle from both sides of the bicycle, respectively, each bracket of the pair of brackets including an inner outer fairing and an inner support disposed within the outer fairing, and a cross-sectional shape of the outer fairing being formed in a streamline shape that minimizes wind resistance received by each bracket; and the force measuring device is used for measuring an aerodynamic load including wind resistance in a wind tunnel test. Through the testing device and method disclosed by the invention, the air resistance of the bicycle and a rider under the similar real condition can be measured, and the capability range of wind tunnel testing can be expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of aerodynamic testing, and in particular relates to a bicycle wind tunnel testing device and method. Background Art

[0002] With advances in science and technology, the intensity of elite sports is increasing. For example, in Olympic cycling competitions, the difference between first and second place is often measured in milliseconds. In cycling, due to the high speeds of athletes, most of the resistance comes from air resistance, so reducing air resistance is crucial to improving athletes' performance. Wind tunnel testing has been used in many countries to measure the air resistance of cyclists. Wind tunnels can generate a constant, controllable airflow to simulate the air flow conditions around athletes. Athletes and sports equipment are usually fully or partially fixed to a force balance using connectors to measure aerodynamic loads. In addition to measuring the drag of athletes, wind tunnel testing is also frequently used to measure and optimize bicycle components and cycling apparel. These measurements require high measurement accuracy and repeatability to discern small changes in air resistance.

[0003] In conventional bicycle wind tunnel testing, the brackets used to mount the bicycles typically have circular or rectangular cross-sections and lack a streamlined design. These non-streamlined bicycle bracket structures can create significant air resistance. Furthermore, for structural strength reasons, these brackets are positioned close to the bicycle, causing significant aerodynamic interference with the bicycle and rider, affecting measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the testing setup cannot apply sufficient rotational resistance to the bicycle's rear wheel. As a result, the rider's pedaling power output is lower than it would be in real life. This can alter the rider's posture, misrepresenting the actual shape and affecting the accuracy of air resistance measurements. During real-world cycling, a bicycle naturally sways side to side during each pedaling cycle. This swaying motion significantly alters the flow around the athlete and bicycle, and thus changes air resistance. However, in conventional bicycle wind tunnel testing, since the bicycle is mounted vertically in the test setup, the roll angle cannot be varied, making it impossible to simulate this swaying motion, limiting the application of wind tunnel testing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve at least one of the above problems, a bicycle wind tunnel testing device and method are provided, which can measure the air resistance of a bicycle and a rider in a close-to-real-life situation with high precision.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle wind tunnel testing device is provided, comprising: a base; a first roller and a second roller, wherein the first roller and the second roller are respectively arranged on the base, and the front wheel of the bicycle to be tested contacts the first roller and the rear wheel of the bicycle contacts the second roller; a pair of brackets connected to the base and supporting the bicycle from both sides of the bicycle, respectively, each bracket of the pair of brackets comprising an outer fairing and an inner support member arranged within the outer fairing, and a cross-sectional shape of the outer fairing is formed to be streamlined to minimize wind resistance experienced by the bracket; and a force measuring device for measuring aerodynamic loads including wind resistance in a wind tunnel test.

[0006] In some embodiments, the outer fairing is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the base, so that the support maintains minimal wind resistance as the incoming airflow direction changes.

[0007] In some embodiments, a steering gear is provided in the external fairing, and the steering gear is respectively connected to the inner wall of the external fairing and the internal support member, so that the external fairing is driven to rotate by the steering gear.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pair of brackets enables the bicycle to be tilted laterally relative to a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the base.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pair of brackets tilt the bicycle sideways by moving in opposite directions in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner supports of the pair of brackets are respectively connected to the base via springs, so that the pair of brackets move in opposite directions when subjected to opposite vertical external forces to provide a restoring force when the bicycle tilts sideways.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inner supports of the pair of brackets are driven by a driving device to move in opposite directions.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pair of brackets respectively support at least the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle through a connecting piece with a streamlined cross-section.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bicycle wind tunnel testing device further includes a wheelbase adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first roller and the second roller.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wheelbase adjustment mechanism is a screw transmission device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first roller is driven to rotate by a motor, and the second roller is switchable between a state in which the second roller is driven to rotate by the motor and a state in which the second roller is disconnected from the motor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bicycle wind tunnel testing device further includes a magnetically controlled resistance wheel. When the second roller is disconnected from the motor, the second roller is connected to the magnetically controlled resistance wheel to apply resistance to the second roller.

[0017] In some embodiments, the resistance of the magnetically controlled resistance wheel is configured to vary according to the aerodynamic load measured in real time by the force measuring device.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle wind tunnel testing method is provided, wherein a wind tunnel test is performed using the bicycle wind tunnel testing device as described above, the method comprising: placing a bicycle to be tested on the base so that the front wheel of the bicycle contacts the first roller and the rear wheel of the bicycle contacts the second roller; supporting the bicycle using the paired supports; placing the bicycle in a riding state, the riding state including a state in which the bicycle is operating alone and a state in which the bicycle and a rider are operating in combination; and measuring aerodynamic loads including wind resistance in the wind tunnel test using the force measuring device.

[0019] Compared to existing technologies, the bicycle wind tunnel testing device and method disclosed herein can enhance the realism of the rider's posture during wind tunnel testing. By providing a magnetically controlled resistance wheel to apply resistance to a second roller, the device can measure the air resistance of the bicycle and rider in realistic conditions, reducing aerodynamic interference from the stand and improving test accuracy. Furthermore, the device can enable a certain degree of roll motion on the bicycle, expanding the capabilities of wind tunnel testing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle wind tunnel testing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 is a partial top view of a bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrates a wheelbase adjustment mechanism therein;

[0022] Figure 3 is a side view of a bracket of a bicycle wind tunnel test device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrates an internal structure of the bracket;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus and a bicycle mounted thereon according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0024] Figure 5is a flow chart of a bicycle wind tunnel testing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Description of reference numerals:

[0026] 1 bicycle wind tunnel test device; 2 base; 2-1 platform base; 2-2 frame structure;

[0027] 3. First roller; 4. Second roller; 5. Magnetic resistance wheel; 6. Bracket; 7. Internal support;

[0028] 8. External fairing; 9. Servo; 10. Spring; 11. Wheelbase adjustment mechanism; 12. Screw nut;

[0029] 13. Screw; 14. Knob; 20. Bicycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To help those skilled in the art better understand the technical solutions of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are described in detail below. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, identical numbers in different drawings represent identical or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all possible implementations consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of systems and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present disclosure, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0031] The terms used in this disclosure are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in this disclosure, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. As used in this disclosure, the singular forms "a" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used in this disclosure, the terms "comprising" and "consisting of" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this disclosure have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in this disclosure.

[0033] In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, exemplary directions indicating "left", "right", "front" and "back" are shown. Specifically, Figure 2The upward direction in is limited to "right", the downward direction is limited to "left", and Figure 2 The left direction in the figure is defined as "front", and the right direction is defined as "rear", and these definitions are also applicable to the corresponding directions in other figures. In addition, however, it should be understood that the terms about directions in this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit directions.

[0034] The bicycle wind tunnel test device 1 according to the present disclosure is placed on a turntable in a wind tunnel test section and below the wind tunnel floor. The bicycle wind tunnel test device 1 can be used to measure and optimize the entire bicycle and its components.

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle wind tunnel test device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The bicycle wind tunnel test device 1 includes: a base 2; a first roller (front roller) 3 and a second roller (rear roller) 4, the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 are respectively provided on the base 2, and a bicycle 20 (such as a bicycle 20 to be tested) for wind tunnel testing is used. Figure 4 The front wheel of the bicycle 20 (as shown) contacts the first roller 3 and the rear wheel of the bicycle 20 contacts the second roller 4; a pair of brackets 6 are connected to the base 2 and support the bicycle 20 from both sides, and the pair of brackets 6 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the base 2. Each of the brackets 6 includes an inner support member 7 and an outer fairing 8 (as shown). Figure 3 The invention also includes a device (not shown) for measuring aerodynamic loads, including wind resistance, during wind tunnel testing. Wind resistance in this case refers to, for example, the air resistance experienced by a rider (e.g., an athlete) and a bicycle during wind tunnel testing. In addition to wind resistance, aerodynamic loads in this embodiment may also include other loads, such as those acting on the rider and bicycle during wind tunnel testing.

[0036] It should be understood that Figure 4 The bicycle 20 is only schematically shown as being placed on the bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus 1 , and is not intended to limit the precise positional relationship between the bicycle 20 and the components of the bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus 1 .

[0037] The base 2 generally includes a platform base 2-1 below and a frame structure 2-2 above. For example, a first roller 3 and a second roller 4 can be fixed to the platform base 2-1 and partially exposed from the surface of the frame structure 2-2, with the first roller 3 located at the front of the base 2 and the second roller 4 located at the rear of the base 2. A bracket 6 can also be fixed to the platform base 2-1 and extend from the surface of the frame structure 2-2. The upper surface of the frame structure 2-2 is used to place the bicycle to be tested.

[0038] The bracket 6 is a low-resistance bicycle bracket, formed as a strip-shaped rod, for example, perpendicular to the surface of the base 2. However, it should be understood that the bracket 6 is not limited to the strip-shaped rod structure. The outer fairing 8 of the bracket 6 surrounds the inner support 7, and the cross-sectional shape of the outer fairing 8 is formed into a streamlined shape. The streamlined shape here is any suitable shape that can minimize wind resistance. For example, the streamlined shape is usually rounded in front and pointed in the back (the side facing the incoming flow direction is formed into an arc shape, and the opposite side is formed into a pointed shape), with a smooth surface and a shape slightly like a water drop (such as Figure 2 With this streamlined cross-section, the width of the wake of the bracket 6 can be reduced, thereby reducing the wind resistance of the bracket 6 and reducing the interference between the bracket 6 and the bicycle 20 and / or the rider.

[0039] In some embodiments, the height of bracket 6 is adjustable to accommodate different bicycle wheel sizes. For example, bracket 6 may include a portion positioned below the surface of frame structure 2-2. The height of bracket 6 can be adjusted by moving bracket 6 up and down to a suitable height and securing it with a fastening device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the height adjustment method for bracket 6 is not limited to this.

[0040] The brackets 6 are a pair of brackets, which may include a pair of brackets located on both sides of the first roller 3 and a pair of brackets located on both sides of the second roller 4. In some embodiments, the pair of brackets 6 located on the left and right sides of the first roller 3 (hereinafter referred to as "a pair of front brackets 6") support the front of the bicycle 20 (e.g., supporting the axle of the front wheel of the bicycle 20), and the pair of brackets 6 located on the left and right sides of the second roller 4 (hereinafter referred to as "a pair of rear brackets 6") support the rear of the bicycle 20 (e.g., supporting the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle 20). Although Figure 1 Two pairs of brackets are shown in FIG, but this is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, if the strength of the brackets 6 permits, only one pair of brackets 6 (e.g., one pair of brackets located on the left and right sides of the second roller 4) may be used to support the bicycle 20 to further reduce aerodynamic interference.

[0041] The force measuring device (not shown) can be, for example, a six-component force balance. The force measuring device can be mounted on the platform base 2-1 and located within the frame structure 2-2. One end of the force measuring device can be fixed to the platform base 2-1, and the other end can be fixed to the bicycle under test or to the frame structure 2-2 fixedly connected to the bicycle under test via a connector, thereby measuring the wind resistance experienced by the bicycle under test, the rider, or both.

[0042] In some embodiments, external fairing 8 can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of base 2, minimizing wind resistance experienced by each bracket 6 as the incoming airflow direction changes. In this case, when bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus 1 is positioned at a non-zero yaw angle, external fairing 8 can still align with the incoming airflow direction, reducing aerodynamic drag and interference.

[0043] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, a steering gear 9 is provided inside the external fairing 8, and the steering gear 9 is connected to the inner wall of the external fairing 8 and the internal support member 7, respectively, so that the external fairing 8 is driven to rotate by the steering gear 9. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the method of causing the external fairing 8 to rotate with the incoming flow direction is not limited to the provision of the steering gear 9, and other suitable methods may also be used.

[0044] In some embodiments, the stand 6 can tilt the bicycle 20 laterally relative to a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 2. It should be understood that the bicycle 20 is tilted laterally relative to the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 2 such that at least the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle 20 is no longer horizontal with the upper surface of the base 2 but is tilted; in other words, the bicycle 20 is tilted laterally relative to the upper surface of the base 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 By tilting the bicycle 20 laterally relative to a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 2, the left-right swinging that naturally occurs during each pedaling cycle of a bicycle during actual riding can be simulated.

[0045] In some embodiments, the brackets 6 can tilt the bicycle 20 laterally by moving in opposite directions perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 2. For example, one bracket 6 located to the left of the first roller 3 and one bracket 6 located to the left of the second roller 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "pair of left brackets 6") can move upward perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 2, while one bracket 6 located to the right of the first roller 3 and one bracket 6 located to the right of the second roller 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "pair of right brackets 6") can move downward perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 2. Alternatively, the pair of left brackets 6 can move downward perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 2, while the pair of right brackets can move upward perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 2. However, it should be understood that the method of tilting the bicycle 20 laterally is not limited to this. For example, the brackets 6 can be configured to tilt laterally as a whole, thereby tilting the bicycle 20 laterally along with it.

[0046] In some embodiments, the stand 6 can passively change the roll angle of the bicycle 20. For example, Figure 3As shown, the inner supports 7 of each of the brackets 6 are connected to the base 2 via springs 10. This allows the pair of left and right brackets 6 to move in opposite directions (upward and downward) when subjected to opposing vertical external forces, thereby providing a restoring force when the bicycle 20 tilts sideways. In other words, the inner supports 7 are capable of moving up and down (i.e., perpendicular to the surface of the base 2) when subjected to a vertical external force. When the pair of left and right brackets 6 move upward and downward, respectively, the bicycle 20 can tilt while maintaining contact between the front and rear wheels of the bicycle and the first and second rollers 3 and 4, respectively. It should be understood that the vertical external forces applied to the brackets 6 can be those generated by the rider during pedaling.

[0047] In some embodiments, the brackets 6 can actively change the sideways tilt angle of the bicycle. For example, the inner support members 7 of the pair of left brackets 6 and the pair of right brackets 6 are driven by a drive device (not shown) to move in opposite directions (upward and downward). The drive device can be, for example, a motor that drives the inner support members 7 up and down (i.e., perpendicular to the surface of the base 2). By adjusting the up and down positions of the pair of left brackets 6 and the pair of right brackets 6, the sideways tilt angle of the bicycle 20 can be actively changed.

[0048] When stand 6 is configured to be able to tilt laterally as a whole, thereby tilting bicycle 20 laterally, stand 6 may, for example, be provided with a connector (not shown) having a streamlined cross-section, and bicycle 20 may be supported by fixedly connecting one end of the connector to inner support member 7 and the other end of the connector to the axle of the wheel of bicycle 20 or another fixed portion of bicycle 20. However, it should be understood that the manner in which stand 6 supports bicycle 20 is not limited thereto.

[0049] When the pair of left and right brackets 6 and 6 move in opposite directions perpendicular to the upper surface of base 2 to tilt bicycle 2 sideways, brackets 6 can support bicycle 20 by providing a notch in the top of inner support member 7, securing one end of a connector with a streamlined cross-section to the axle of a wheel of bicycle 20 or another fixed portion of bicycle 20, and supporting and engaging the other end of the connector within the notch in the top of inner support member 7. However, it should be understood that the manner in which brackets 6 support bicycle 20 is not limited to this.

[0050] In some embodiments, only a pair of rear supports 6 can be used to support at least the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle 20 through connectors with streamlined cross-sections, thereby further reducing wind resistance. In some embodiments, another pair of front supports 6 can also be used to support the axle of the front wheel of the bicycle 20.

[0051] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus 1 may further include a wheelbase adjustment mechanism 11 for adjusting the distance between the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 to accommodate different bicycle wheelbases (wheelbases). While the wheelbase adjustment mechanism 11 adjusts the distance between the first roller 3 and the second roller 4, the corresponding bracket 6 can also move with the corresponding first roller 3 and second roller 4 to support bicycles with different wheelbases.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second roller 4 is fixed, and the wheelbase adjustment mechanism 11 adjusts the distance between the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 by adjusting the movement of the first roller 3 .

[0053] In some embodiments, the wheelbase adjustment mechanism 11 is a screw transmission device. Figure 2 As shown, the front and rear adjustment of the first roller 3 and the bracket 6 (if any) supporting the front wheel of the bicycle 20 (i.e., the adjustment in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the first roller 3 on the surface of the base 2, i.e., Figure 2 The left and right directions in the figure) can be realized by using a screw transmission device. The surface of the frame structure 2-2 is provided with a long groove for the first roller 3 to move. The screw transmission device includes a screw nut 12, a screw rod 13 and a knob 14. The rod nut 12 and the screw rod 13 are arranged below the surface of the base 2 (the surface of the frame structure 2-2). Figure 2 In the figure, lighter lines are used for the purpose of clarity. The knob 14 is set on the surface of the base 2 for easy operation. The screw 13 is set in parallel on both sides of the first roller 3. The screw nut 12 is screwed on the screw 13 and the screw nut 12 is connected to the side of the first roller 3. The knob 14 drives the screw on one or both sides of the first roller 3 to rotate through the bevel gear (not shown), driving the screw nut 10 to move forward and backward, thereby driving the first roller 3 and the bracket 6 supporting the front wheel of the bicycle (if any, the bracket 6 can be fixed to the screw nut 12) to move forward and backward synchronously. Adjusting the distance between the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 can quickly adjust the wheelbase of the bicycle to suit, saving time for wind tunnel testing.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first roller 3 is connected to a motor (not shown), and the second roller 4 can switch between being connected to and disconnected from the motor. In other words, the first roller 3 is driven to rotate by the motor, and the second roller 4 can switch between being driven to rotate by the motor and being disconnected from the motor. Thus, the motor can drive the rollers to rotate, thereby driving the front and rear wheels of the bicycle 20 (when the second roller 4 is connected to the motor) to rotate. It should be understood that the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 can be connected to the same or different motors. Thus, the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 of the bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus 1 can be driven in a variety of ways: for bicycle tests that do not involve a rider, the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 can be connected to and driven by the motor respectively; for tests that involve a rider, the second roller 4 is disconnected from the motor and driven by the rider's pedaling instead.

[0055] In some embodiments, when the second roller 4 is disconnected from the motor, the second roller 4 is connected to the magnetically controlled resistance wheel 5, thereby applying resistance to the second roller 4 through the magnetically controlled resistance wheel 5. When the second roller 4 is disconnected from the motor, the bicycle 20 is driven by the rider's pedaling. Applying resistance to the second roller 4 through the magnetically controlled resistance wheel 5 can increase the rider's required power output and make the rider's riding posture more realistic.

[0056] In some embodiments, the resistance of the magnetically controlled resistance wheel 5 can be set to change with the aerodynamic load (e.g., air resistance, i.e., wind resistance) measured in real time by the force measuring device, thereby giving the rider instant feedback (when the bicycle 20 and the rider are tested in combination, i.e., when the rider is riding on the bicycle 20 for testing).

[0057] In some embodiments, the bicycle wind tunnel testing device 1 may further include a data acquisition system. The data acquisition system may, for example, include cameras arranged on the side, rear, and top of the rider or bicycle to cooperate with the bicycle wind tunnel testing device 1 to perform a complete wind tunnel test, thereby collecting the posture of the rider or bicycle.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bicycle wind tunnel testing apparatus 1 may further include a data display system. For example, the data display system may include a projection device that projects real-time test status and key data such as air resistance, speed, cadence, air resistance, power output, and lateral and rearward video images onto the ground in front of the rider. The rider can use this projected information as feedback to continuously optimize their posture within the wind tunnel.

[0059] Figure 51 is a flow chart of a bicycle wind tunnel testing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method uses the bicycle wind tunnel testing apparatus 1 described above to perform a wind tunnel test, and includes the following steps: S1, placing a bicycle 20 on a base 2, such that the front wheel of the bicycle 20 contacts a first roller 3 and the rear wheel of the bicycle 20 contacts a second roller 4; S2, supporting the bicycle 20 using a pair of stands 6; S3, placing the bicycle 20 in a riding state, including a bicycle operating alone (i.e., without a rider riding on the bicycle 20) and a bicycle 20 operating in conjunction with a rider (i.e., with a rider riding on the bicycle 20); and S4, measuring aerodynamic loads, including wind resistance, during the wind tunnel test using a force measuring device.

[0060] The bicycle wind tunnel testing method may further include: adjusting the direction of the outer fairing 8 of the bracket 6 according to the change in the incoming flow direction; adjusting the height of the bracket 6; adjusting the lateral tilt of the bicycle by adjusting the paired brackets 6; adjusting the distance between the first roller 3 and the second roller 4; and adjusting the driving mode of the first roller 3 and the second roller 4, etc.

[0061] The bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus 1 disclosed herein can measure the air resistance of a bicycle and rider under realistic conditions. It can also be used to measure and optimize bicycles and their components. Compared to conventional bicycle wind tunnel test apparatuses, the bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus 1 disclosed herein can enhance the realism of the rider's posture during wind tunnel testing, reduce aerodynamic interference from the bracket, and improve test accuracy. Furthermore, the bicycle wind tunnel test apparatus 1 disclosed herein can cause the bicycle to undergo a certain degree of roll motion, expanding the capabilities of wind tunnel testing.

[0062] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and substance of the present disclosure, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A bicycle wind tunnel testing device, characterized in that: include: base; a first roller and a second roller, wherein the first roller and the second roller are respectively disposed on the base, and the front wheel of the bicycle to be tested contacts the first roller and the rear wheel of the bicycle contacts the second roller; a pair of stands connected to the base and supporting the bicycle from both sides thereof, each of the pair of stands including an outer fairing and an inner support member disposed within the outer fairing, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the outer fairing is formed into a streamlined shape to minimize wind resistance experienced by the stands; and A force measuring device used to measure aerodynamic loads including wind resistance in wind tunnel testing.

2. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer fairing is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the base, so that the wind resistance experienced by the bracket is minimized as the incoming flow direction changes.

3. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A steering gear is provided in the external fairing, and the steering gear is respectively connected to the inner wall of the external fairing and the internal support member, so that the external fairing is driven to rotate by the steering gear.

4. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pair of brackets enables the bicycle to be tilted laterally relative to a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base.

5. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pair of brackets tilt the bicycle sideways by moving in opposite directions in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base.

6. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner supports of the paired brackets are respectively connected to the base via springs, so that the paired brackets move in opposite directions when subjected to opposite vertical external forces, thereby providing a restoring force when the bicycle tilts sideways.

7. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner supporting members of each of the pair of brackets are driven by a driving device to move in opposite directions.

8. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The paired brackets respectively support at least the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle through a connecting piece with a streamlined cross section.

9. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bicycle wind tunnel testing device further includes a wheelbase adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first roller and the second roller.

10. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The wheelbase adjustment mechanism is a screw transmission device.

11. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to any one of claims 1, 9 and 10, characterized in that: The first roller is driven to rotate by a motor, and the second roller is switchable between a state in which the second roller is driven to rotate by the motor and a state in which the second roller is disconnected from the motor.

12. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The bicycle wind tunnel testing device further includes a magnetically controlled resistance wheel. When the second roller is disconnected from the motor, the second roller is connected to the magnetically controlled resistance wheel to apply resistance to the second roller.

13. The bicycle wind tunnel testing device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The resistance of the magnetically controlled resistance wheel is configured to change according to the aerodynamic load measured in real time by the force measuring device.

14. A bicycle wind tunnel testing method, characterized in that: A wind tunnel test is performed using the bicycle wind tunnel test device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: placing a bicycle to be tested on the base so that the front wheel of the bicycle contacts the first roller and the rear wheel of the bicycle contacts the second roller; supporting the bicycle using the pair of brackets; placing the bicycle in a riding state, wherein the riding state includes a state in which the bicycle is operating alone and a state in which the bicycle and a rider are operating together; and The force measuring device is used to measure aerodynamic loads including wind resistance in wind tunnel tests.

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