Bellpipes: The Innovative Bicycle Bell

Combining Safety and Style

Bicycles and light electric motorcycles are known for being quiet on the road, which is why bells are essential to alert pedestrians. Bellpipes not only retains the advantages of traditional bells but also increases the duration of the ring. This feature is particularly useful for riders going downhill or riding at high speeds, as it extends the time of the alerting sound and enhances the safety of everyone on the street.

What sets Bellpipes apart is its design of small wind tunnels, which create a resonance chamber capable of producing high-speed airflow. This airflow generates whistles while riding at a slow pace, completely powered by wind with no batteries required. The combination of traditional bells and windpipes gives riders the flexibility to choose between the two options depending on the road conditions, further enhancing safety.

The construction of Bellpipes involved overcoming several challenges. The design team had to ensure that the bell produced enough whistles when riders were traveling at a normal speed. Through meticulous research and simulations using COMSOL, the team achieved the desired fluency of airflow, adjusting the small wind tunnel's curved surface to align with the whistle's speed when passing through the wind tunnel.

Bellpipes is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The cover is made with ABS, while the bell itself is crafted from copper, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance. The operation of Bellpipes is effortless, with all functions easily operated using a single thumb. When using the bicycle bell, the bagpipe remains silent. However, when the bagpipe is needed to make sounds, a simple 90-degree turn of the Bellpipes with the thumb activates the whistle.

The Bellpipes project was proposed in May 2013 and produced in November of the same year. It was displayed at the art center of Kao Yuan University in September 2014, showcasing its innovative design and functionality. In recognition of its excellence, Bellpipes was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Idea and Conceptual Design category in 2015. This prestigious accolade is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill.

With Bellpipes, cyclists can now ride with confidence, knowing they have a versatile and stylish safety device at their fingertips. Whether it's alerting pedestrians or making a statement, Bellpipes combines form and function seamlessly, making it a must-have accessory for any bike enthusiast.