College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
12-2022
Primary Advisor
Eileen Rossman, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This document presents the engineering design process used to develop, manufacture, and test a new and improved iteration of a hitch cart prototype. This process was performed by a team of four mechanical engineering seniors as part of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s senior design pathway. The goal of this project was to develop a sturdy and reliable iteration of our sponsor’s hitch cart prototype, that integrated the functionality of a vehicle hitch cargo platform and that of a height adjustable cargo cart into a single streamlined and easy to use product. This design could be used by tradesmen, and outdoor enthusiast to not only transport heavy equipment and cargo to where they’re going, but also offer a form of easily maneuverable cargo transportation once they get there. While similar designs currently exist, none incorporate an adjustable height platform and are either difficult to attach and remove from the vehicle, have a low loading capacity and small storage footprint, or are designed for small vehicle applications. Based on preliminary testing, our design appears to be a promising product that is robust and addresses many of the limitations of competing designs. Future refinement of the design can be done to further improve user experience and increase the potential for use on a wider range of vehicle sizes and hitch classes.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/695
Included in
Acoustics, Dynamics, and Controls Commons, Applied Mechanics Commons, Industrial Engineering Commons, Manufacturing Commons, Other Engineering Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons, Other Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons, Risk Analysis Commons