Analysis:

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One design parameter determined through analysis is how much weight the clamp can support. Each point on the clamp must be able to support an amount of weight, up to 150lbs. The stand from ParkTool has a capacity of 180lbs, so the maximum capacity with safety factor built in was increased to 200lbs to further increase strength and overall rigidity of the stand. With the goal of 200lbs, the amount of force each section must hold can be solved. The square tubing required to hold the desired load a certain distance away from the mounting point was determined to be one inch with a wall thickness of .083 inches. Another parameter is how much clamping force acts on the bicycle seat tube. The optimized size allows for a more compact fixture. The leverage ratio on the swing arm can be calculated in order to know how much power the motor needs to put out at the leadscrew to provide the proper clamping force of 52lbs. The torque output of the motor should be 1.61 in-lbs to provide enough clamping force. A third parameter is the speed of the system. A gear ratio combined with the output RPM of the motor can determine how quickly the jaws will close. The gear ratios will reduce the motor RPM so the clamp does not close too slowly or quickly, giving ample time to position the bicycle in place without having to wait too long. A final variable speed of 150 - 300 RPM will allow a quick clamp speed, with time to position the bicycle.

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