Need engineering brains!
What is the simplest way to use the mechanical energy generated from a regular stationary bike to agitate laundry in a 5-gallon bucket?
Go!
Stationary bike as laundry agitator
Re: Stationary bike as laundry agitator
First thing that comes to mind would be attach a rod or two to the wheels or pedals which then goes to a custom piston (like a donut, or shaped to provide just enough agitation) or two in the bucket? This would be a reciprocating engine.
edit: at that point you could customize the tower the rods connect to to suit your needs (gearing) I guess? Googling for "antique washing machine" gives some further ideas (instead of piston you could have a rotating thing, etc). Though I would think rods to the wheels/pedals is simplest. Otherwise you would need a wheel that accommodates a belt?
edit: at that point you could customize the tower the rods connect to to suit your needs (gearing) I guess? Googling for "antique washing machine" gives some further ideas (instead of piston you could have a rotating thing, etc). Though I would think rods to the wheels/pedals is simplest. Otherwise you would need a wheel that accommodates a belt?
Re: Stationary bike as laundry agitator
I agree that using the pedals would be easiest. The wheel on my bike is smooth without a good way to accommodate a belt. Another problem is that the pedals only come off the ground by about 3-4 inches at the lowest point, and I would rather not have to raise the bike.
What if I used a simple pulley to raise and lower a an x-shaped bar at the bottom of the bucket? Would that be enough agitation?
What if I used a simple pulley to raise and lower a an x-shaped bar at the bottom of the bucket? Would that be enough agitation?
Re: Stationary bike as laundry agitator
loads of rabbit holes here:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=appro ... 16&bih=562
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=appro ... 16&bih=562
Re: Stationary bike as laundry agitator
This is my favourite...
http://www.instructables.com/id/SudsCyc ... ne-Protot/
http://www.instructables.com/id/SudsCyc ... ne-Protot/