Identification of Handbrake Patterns of Young Motorcycle Riders in Thailand Using a Newly Invented Force Measuring Device

Abstract

The paper aims at identifying handbrake control behavior of young Thai volunteer riders by focusing on small underbone-type of motorcycle using a newly developed force measuring device. The device has been invented to measure the handbrake force using the potentiometer through the fulcrum of hand control lever. Through calibration with the discrete static loads, the relation between the rotational hand control lever and the handbrake force has been determined. This technique is applicable for both hydraulic or cable handbrake systems. It has been employed to measure each rider's handbrake force against both handbrake levers during brake application. Our sample included thirty volunteers and a professional rider. We conducted the tests based on transportation standard regulation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulation No. 78, under speed of 40 km/hr. Three types of handbrake patterns have been identified from these tests. Consequently, the force response characteristics from hydraulic and cable systems in motorcycle are notably different. The number of rider's finger actuation and various patterns applied at the hand brake levers have been revealed to improve the brake skill from young motorcyclists.