Summary
Date: November 16, 2006
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Table of Contents |
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Report Summary Page |
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| Author: Tyler Nicholson | Team: Uberboard |
Problem Statement
The arms on the Überboard need to be able to withstand the harsh conditions normal skateboards encounter while remaining light and responsive. Special consideration needs to be taken to ensure the arms will be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as moisture, dirt, and high forces while also remaining lightweight and having an acceptable amount of deflection. Also, the arms need to be able to be manufactured and within the budget.
This report explores the design of the arms to be used on the Überboard. Design matrices, conceptual drawings, solid models, and prototypes were used to help determine the best connection type, material, and shape of the arm.
Requirements
A list of requirements was determined in order to provide specifications for the arms. The arms of the Überboard must meet the following requirements:
- Be Lightweight
- Fit within the Überboard team budget
- Withstand the expected forces with a factor of safety
- Withstand expected environmental conditions
Specifications
The arms of the Überboard must meet the following specifications:
- Withstand 2225 N of force in the normal direction
- Withstand 1560 N of force in a lateral direction
- Resist corrosion with expected amounts of moisture, salt and dirt
- Have a mass of no more than 500 grams a piece
- Cost no more than $25 a piece
- Be easily machined or able to be purchased
- Be easily attached/assembled
- Have an acceptable amount of deflection
Concept Generation and Design Selection
The following material types were explored for making the arms:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Carbon Fiber
The following connection types were explored for interfacing the arms with the wheels and the board:
- Clamp
- Rectangular
- Oval
- Keyway
- Weld
- Glue
A design matrix was created to help narrow the ideas for the connection type. The following connection types were explored:
 | Selection Matrix by Tyler Nicholson |
Design Refinement and Final Selection
The clamp connection style was selected to be made out of aluminum. Drawings of the final designs follow:
Clamp Arm Design
 | by Tyler Nicholson |
This is the first choice in arm design. It will be made of Aluminum
Clamp Arm Drawing
 | by Tyler Nicholson |
This is a drawing of the clamp arm design
Conclusions
The best design for the arm was determined to be a clamp design made out of aluminum. The exact length of the arm has not been determined, nor the shape, though it will most likely be made of a square or rectangular extrusion to ease manufacture. The second choice was determined to be a keyway design. It will be made of aluminum. the exact length and shape has not been determined.