Problem Statement & Description Analysis Results Vortex Pictures Poster Meet the Team

 Problem Statement:

    In the summer of 2008, gas prices rose to levels that forced Americans to look at ways to increase their fuel efficiency. However, there remained a need for extra space to haul bikes, vacation necessities, work tools, etc. Most existing vehicle storage devices decrease fuel efficiency by increasing the cross-sectional area of the vehicle and/or the drag coefficient, thus increasing the form drag. Through an analysis, it has been approximated that a decrease in drag coefficient by 2.5% will lead to an increase in fuel efficiency by 2%. In light of this, we propose to design a storage device that will actually decrease the drag coefficient. It will do this by decreasing the vortex that forms behind the vehicle while leaving the cross sectional area unchanged. The device will be attached to the rear of an SUV, store belongings, and will increase the vehicle’s gas mileage. Ideally, the design will be able to increase the vehicle’s gas mileage by ten or more percent.

 Description:

    The Nova Pod group developed the following requirements for the proposed storage pod.

  1. 1. The device will reduce drag force by 15% at vehicle speeds up to 70 mph.

  2. 2. The device will increase fuel efficiency by 10% (subject to change based on customer feedback surveys).

  3. 3. The device will provide storage that is no higher than 155-cm off the ground so 95% of adults can access it without a stepstool.

  4. 4. The device will not harm exterior of vehicle.

  5. 5. The device will comply with all vehicle codes and must have a rear window so not to obstruct the view of the driver.

  6. 6. The device will weigh less than 50-lbs. not including the trailer hitch or roof rack attachment mechanism.

  7. 7. The device will withstand being dropped from 3-ft 20 times.

  8. 8. The device will be manufactured and shipped for under $300 a piece.

  9. 9. The device will allow for three inside designs with interchangeable parts that will accommodate different storage needs.

  10. 10. The device will be aesthetically pleasing to 75% of consumers as determined by a marketing survey.

  11. 11. The device will be customizable to vehicle type.

 

 

Villanova University - 800 E. Lancaster Ave.- Villanova, PA

Department of Mechanical Engineering