Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2017

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Roger Beardsley

Abstract

The project manager owns a 1994 F-150 which was purchased last August. Soon after purchasing, it was determined that it was too high for passengers to get into the truck without complaining. So this project started out being all about fixing that problem. A device was needed that allowed access to the truck without complaining. The plan was to build a device that allows access to the truck while still being light enough to not affect the trucks performance. The devices that were designed are running boards built specifically for this truck. The device had to mount underneath the edge of the cab and hang out from under the side of the cab. The devices had to be overbuilt to withstand significant impact from the top, bottom, and the sides as well as allowing access to the truck. This shifted the project to running boards/rock bars. The devices were built out of 6061-T6 aluminum to keep them as lightweight as possible while still having outstanding strength capabilities. While mounting, the devices needed more support so supports were built to ensure the devices were sturdy. The devices are in preliminary testing right now and are exceeding every requirement by far.

Download

Share

COinS