Universal and Removable Lift Gate Senior Project

Martin Affentranger, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Steven Cabaj, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Justin Russo, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Justin Wragg, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

Abstract/Summary

The purpose of this project is to conceptualize, design, and build a removable and universal Lift Gate. Many people in small construction firms and independent contracting businesses have troubles lifting heavy items into their pick-up trucks. They use their trucks for their businesses and personal use. They want to be able to use a Lift Gate during the workday and remove the Lift Gate during the weekends when their truck is predominantly used for personal use. Through research it has been determined that there is no product that directly addresses this problem. This project was engineered to solve this problem with the ultimate goal of starting a business in mind. It was decided that a universal and removable liftgate was the best solution to the problem. A three phase, design while building process, was implemented and proved to be successful at the end of the project. The end result being a fully functional Lift Gate prototype. On the business end of the project, a full market research analysis and customer outreach was done. The project is in the second round of prototyping with hopes of creating a market ready product.