Analytical procedure of optimization of variables affecting the performance of cycle rickshaw puller

During the cycle rickshaw riding, the power generated from puller muscles is used to overcome the rolling, air, acceleration and gradient resistance. The puller overcomes these resistances by applying forces to the pedals which are transmitted by the mechanical drive to the rear wheel. Thus, with respect to human performance, current design of cycle rickshaw is inefficient and hard to use because of the many number of health problems. This study not only measures the optimal pulse rate for given run, but also designs the optimal gear ratio and wheel diameter. A 3^3 factorial design experimentation is used to isolate the effects of speed ratio, wheel diameter and load up on metabolic response during riding while also determining any interaction of effects. Three rickshaw puller performed riding test on selected road track as per condition of 3^3 factorial design experimentation for replication of three. Each one performed 27 runs and recorded the optimal pulse rate with the help of UT-100 pulse oximeter. The present work discusses the methodology of experimentation to verify the performance of cycle rickshaw puller on the basis of influential parameters.