Developing a multi-quality characteristic analysis model to measure the quality of quick-release bicycle hubs

Abstract

ABSTRACTTo reduce the pollution caused by the carbon emissions of automobiles and locomotive vehicles, many countries around the world have encouraged citizens to use bicycles for short-distance trips in recent years. Bicycles are comprised of many parts, and quick-release hubs are highly important for the fixtures on the front and rear wheel axles of a bicycle. The quick-release hub is a multi-quality characteristic product, including two larger-the-better quality characteristics (quick-release stroke and tensile strength) and three nominal-the-best quality characteristics (axis size, assembly distance, and the outer diameter of the spindle). To improve the quality of quick-release hubs, this study proposes a multi-quality characteristic analysis table (MQCAT) and a multi-quality characteristic analysis model (MQCAM). The proposed method can provide a valuable reference by which to guide efforts aimed at improvement for quick-release hub manufacturers. A quick-release hub manufacturer in central Taiwan is presented to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method. In addition, a comparison with recent methods is provided to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method. Finally, conclusions are made based on the research study findings.