BKL has developed a new kind of automated bicycle frame test rig for Accell Nederland. Accell Nederland is market leader in bicycles with popular brands like Koga, Batavus and Sparta. The new testrig is operational in the Accell test centre in Heerenveen since last September. With this test rig Accell can validate new bicycle frames on four different standardized (EN-ISO) tests in one fully automated test cycle. In this way life cycle fatigue testing of the bicycle frame is done much faster and more reliable than current -single test- test rigs available on the market.  The machine can handle bicycle frames from the smallest 20”child bikes to the 75’’ largest city and trekking bikes. All according to the safety requirements for bicycles EN-ISO 4210. The test rig simulates a head tube test, saddle load test, out of saddle load test and a disc brake test. With simple self-build test recipes the Accell test center operator is able to perform all kind of dynamic test cycles to validate the frames. When programmed all prescribed dynamic load tests are automatically performed in preferred order.

The main success driver for BKL’s design of the new test rig is that for all those different tests only 2 long life linear servo actuators are required. Next to that, the test rig automatically releases or fixates dedicated degrees of freedom (6 DOF) of all interface points to the bicycle frame. The servo actuators apply controlled and prescribed forces to the frame with a frequency up to 3 strokes/second. Of course all drives, sensors and mechanics are placed in a very stiff frame to guarantee accurate and reliable measurements of bicycle frame displacements. Good to mention is the successful partnership with EKB for the PLC Software development and the very effective cooperation with our customer Accell.