Ready for a new challenge? This week we introduce trailer manufacturer Tikitreiler. They need your help to redesign their torsion axle and are interested in just what you're able to dish out.
Design a clever solution and win $1,500 USD! Tikitreiler wants to see your solution for an axle. An Axle which contains a parabolic springs and a clever solution for integrating the spring with the axle. We have all the requirements, files and other guidelines listed below. A new axle design. $1,500. Are you up for it?
The current design
The trailer doesn't withstand a load well (50x50mm steel profiles are currently used between hubs)- The spring and axle assembly is time consuming to manufacture (welding the threaded rods to the square profiles takes too much time)
- The Axle / spring / shock assembly contains too many parts
The requirements - Updated on 18th of August
- Axle solution for two pairs of wheels
- The system has to have two separate identical axles
- Distance between the 2 axles has to remain between 650-700 mm
- The whole system (2 axles) must withstand a load of 1850 kg (4075 lbs) with a safety factor of 2 (meaning 3700 kg or 8150 lbs)
- The given parabolic spring must be used on both axles (4 springs all together)
- The given shock must be connected to the axles/springs (4 shocks all together)
- The given hub must be used (4 hubs all together)
- The Dimensional references shown on the drawings must be met
- The solution must be as easy to produce and manufacture as possible. The production volumes are high so saving material and assembly time is very important
- The Function has top priority over looks of the design
Files to be used in the new design:
Hub, shock, Spring - All CAD files found here in GrabCAD library.
The Rules:
- The best solution will earn $1,500 USD
- The winning design will be chosen based on the requirements above
- This competition is open to everyone
- You can participate with as many models as you like
- Team entries are welcome. With a team win, the prize money will be transferred to the team leader who is solely responsible for splitting it among team members
- Only models uploaded to the GrabCAD library will qualify for the competition
- Tag your model when uploading with "Tikitreiler" to index your model for the search
- You can upload a private model, but you need to share access to indrek@grabcad.com
- Privately uploaded models will be made public after the deadline
- Models can be done in any CAD software as long as STEP or IGS files are provided as well
- Competition starts on August 16th, 2011
- Competition ends on August 31st, 2011
- The winner will be selected by a joint jury of Tikitreiler and GrabCAD and announced on the GrabCAD blog
The prizes:
- 1st - USD $1,500 cash
- 2nd - GrabCAD tee and other goodies
- 3rd - GrabCAD tee and other goodies
Tiki trailer is manufacturer of trailers under brand name Tiki since 1990 with annual volume exceeding 15,000 units. Currently TIKI has over 50 different trailer models in serial production, as well as various custom made trailers for the transportation of vehicles, yachts, cables, etc.
