Sponsored by: Safran Test Cells
Project Summary
Safran currently uses and sells a large transportation cart to move jet engines around preparation areas and into the test cell of an engine center. The current transportation cart was designed in the 1980s and still functions properly today, but a modernization is desired. The new cart design needs to have an electric drive system, it needs to be more maneuverable, it needs to be created with easy to access off the shelf components, and it needs to have the same engine to cart interface as the original design. Finally, this cart will be globally distributed and used outside which means the cart must be designed to withstand a variety of harsh weather conditions.
Design Goal
Our goal for this design is to redesign the SPIDER transporter cart to be more modern. The cart needs to be self-propelled, electronically controlled, more maneuverable, and have safety features to protect operators and the surrounding environment. Our phase of the project focused on the design of the cart frame, drive motor system, control system, and battery system.
Design Constraints
- Hold engine and adapter that weigh a maximum of 24,000 kilograms
- Travel up slopes with a 5% grade
- Be able to rotate in a circle
- Travel at walking speed
- Travel 16 kilometers when loaded before needing to recharge
- Withstand rough terrains
- Withstand rain, snow, and temperatures from -35 to 55 degrees Celsius
CAD model of the Safran Spider Cart prototype
Members of the Project Team
Student Team:
- Cory Strantz - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Michelle Davis - Major: Electrical Engineering
- Carter Doriott - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Seth Sawyer Hammond - Major: Computer Engineering
Industry Representatives: Will Lustig and Steve Margl
Faculty Advisor: Andrew Tubesing
Pictured left to right: Cory Strantz, Michelle Davis, Carter Doriott, Seth Sawyer Hammond