PinaLifeR&D
Research & Development Frame design has undergone amazing developments in recent years.
The computer has made it possible to explore new materials that in the past would have required many tests and time-consuming experimentation.
Nowadays, all the steps involved in the definition and design of a frame are carried out using computer software from the initial definition of the measurements and geometries, to three-dimensional drawings (CAD 3D) and simulation of the frame's behavior before it is even made (Finite Element Analysis).
Three-dimensional modeling converts the shapes of the frame designed by the engineers into mathematical equations that are transferred directly to the CNC machines.
This eliminates any inaccuracy, and optimizes the shapes. Last but not least, we can "see" the frame before it is made, and make all those assessments (functional, but also esthetic) that would otherwise have required production of a first prototype.
Analysis of the structural behavior of the frame through codes of numerical simulation enables us to determine the performance of tube tension and the zones where stresses may be more intense, to optimize the thicknesses and lengths of the sections.
Recently, we introduced a process called "Virtual Bike Machinery" which serves to perform a virtual test before the frame physically exists.
The results of the calculations are presented in the same form as for a real machine, making their interpretation rapid and immediate.
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Modeling 3D 3D modeling is now universally used by Cicli PINARELLO for every new frame designed.
The ability to generate three-dimensional shapes is particularly useful in the case of carbonium structures that require the production of models and dies and thus lend themselves very well to a mathematical management of the shape.
Using three-dimensional CAD software, the surfaces are converted into mathematical equations ("NURBS") which can be used directly to drive the CNC tools used to make the stamps and models.
This approach has many advantages:
- high accuracy with reduced tolerances;
- the possibility to "see" the frame in 3D without having to build a prototype;
- optimization of sections (especially in the rear load zone) to exploit the spaces left available by the cranks and pedal wheels.
Back to top Virtual Bike Machinery The use of calculation software enables us to analyze in depth the structural behavior of a frame subject to the loads introduced by the action of the cyclist.
Its use in the field of racing bikes enables us to obtain a great deal of interesting information:
- performance of tension in the tubes;
- zones of the frame where particularly high forces tend to be concentrated;
- directions of the main tensions so as to arrange the fibers (in the case of carbonium frames) in the most effective way.
Our "Virtual Bike Machinery" is the latest innovation introduced by Cicli PINARELLO in the field of simulation of the structural behavior of frames and is the natural outgrowth of the experience we have acquired over the years.
In practice, this means simulating all the test equipment on the computer and presenting the results of the calculations in the same format as the experimental tests.
This has the advantage of an immediate comparison and total uniformity of the tests.
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Milestone
1994 - Espada
The "Espada" project marked the entry of Cicli Pinarello in the world of carbonium and frames with innovative shape.
All the elements that involved entirely new aspects and that would have required time-consuming experimentation were absolutely incompatible with the timing imposed for the project.
Theoretical simulation of the behavior of the frame enabled us to overcome these difficulties.
Knowledge of the shape of the deformities under the action of the cyclist's thrust (mainly at the peak point) enabled us to place the fibers in the most effective way right from the first bike, completely eliminating the prototype stage.
The "ply-book", shown below, is the fundamental document that describes the arrangement of the different layers of fiber and their orientation.
The orientation of layers 2 and 6 going one way was derived from the simulation and analysis of deformity.
2002 - Montello
The frame for the "Montello" time-race bike was the first frame entirely designed in 3D by Cicli Pinarello with the models and dies entirely produced by CNC.
Clearly, considerable progress has been made since designing the "Espada" nearly ten years earlier.
This made it possible both to reduce the timing of the stage that goes from the initial idea to the production of the frame (the so-called "turnaround time") and to use the most highly qualified, advanced supplier available for the different parts of the frame.
All the surfaces of the frame are described as mathematical equations of complex surfaces ("NURBS surfaces") which conciliate the aerodynamics of the sections with the structural and dimensional requisites.
2003 - ONDA fork
The "Onda" fork is the first project of an unconventional fork shape and the first numerical simulation of a laminate of compound materials.
2003 - M.O.st.
In the case of the "M.O.st." movement, the main objective was to reduce the tolerances to a minimum to guarantee fluidity of operation and reduce friction while maximizing the qualities of rigidity.
In this work, the use of an approach entirely based on three-dimensional modeling of all the parts was fundamental to enable us to achieve the goal.
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