Testing Summary

The particular parameters of interest are the function of the tool when being used. This is mostly focusing on the ability for the tool to loosen the torqued lockring, reducing the user impute torque, and how fast can the tool perform the task. Predictable outcomes of the tools performance are the reduction in torque input, relatively time to perform task, and the overall ability to even loosen the lockring. Data was acquired throughout testing in order to evaluate the final performance of the tool and compare to the requirements established at the beginning of the project.

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The approach to testing of the tool was to evaluate the most important aspects that the tool was designed to accomplish. These aspects are based around functionality of the tool and less on the weight or storage conveniences like mentioned in the requirements. Resources needed for proper evaluation were measurement tools like a torque wrench, stop watch, basic hand tools ranging from wrenches to specific bike tools, location for testing, and most importantly human testers to use the tool in real world applications. Data was collected for all testing for further analysis.

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​Testing of the device was carried out at the CWU campus. Due to the size and basic requirements of the device, no complicated equipment was necessary to complete testing.

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Testing Issues

One issue that presented itself during the timed tests was the seemingly infinite number of ways that the tool can be used to remove the cassette lockring. Tool orientation, wheel orientation, wrench length, and other factors all added difficulty to establishing a consistent testing procedure. Seeing how different users of the device had their own preference in technique, a generalized procedure needed to be established so when testing lockring removal times consistent data could be recorded.

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Results

For lockring loosening torque test, the results show that the device is well within 5% of the benchmark value of 15 ft-lb or 50% of the torque that the lockring was initially torqued to. The device required an average of 15.2 ft-lb of torque to remove the lockring which is within 1% of 15 ft-lb benchmark. This aspect of the device turned out as intended and worked without any hiccups in function during testing.

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For the timed tests, use of the device for removal of a cassette lockring is consistently faster than the use of traditional tools and methods. Two bike shop mechanics were used for testing along with one person who does not work on bikes and was not previously familiar with cassette lockring removal. In all cases the testers could perform the task faster with the device compared to the traditional tools. Both mechanics performed the task 33% faster and almost 22% faster respectively. The Non mechanic tester performed the task 32.4% faster than with the traditional tools also. The estimated percentage of improvement of task completion time was 33%, so the device nearly met this estimation. According to the testers, the lack of smooth edges made the tool somewhat uncomfortable during use. This was not considered an issue because of the focus on tool function and proof of concept and that aspects like tool shape and smoothness were not of initial concern.