Mechanical Engineering Design Project: Car Transport Trailer Design

This design project report details the development of a car transport trailer, specifically targeting the motorsport industry. The project follows a structured approach, beginning with defining the problem, understanding customer requirements, and establishing design specifications. It involves market analysis to identify a specific customer subgroup and their needs, followed by the creation and analysis of various concept ideas, supported by SolidWorks CAD models. The report emphasizes a thorough investigation of the design, analyzing customer requirements, and providing evidence of market analysis and the need for the product. The project includes a complete engineering design specification, detailing all product features and their priorities, along with cost considerations and elements of eco-friendly design. The final concept design is presented comprehensively, demonstrating how it meets customer requirements and design specifications, with considerations for manufacturing methods, materials, and cost optimization. The report adheres to high professional standards, with clear aims, objectives, and proper referencing, including relevant appendices.

Design project
The concept design project involves the following steps: 1) defining the problem and
understand the customer’s requirements; 2) preparation of the design specification; 3)
creation and analysis of concept ideas; 4) transformation and evaluation of initial idea. During
this process, you should have used the appropriate techniques/methods, investigated the
problem and made decisions convincingly and thoroughly. Please note that all steps should
be evidenced in your report.
POINTS TO NOTE:
It is very easy to state a conclusion which might be the right one. However, it is not good
enough to just do that in report. You must show how you have arrived to such conclusion.
Most include The Concept Design CAD model (SolidWorks assembly and part files)
You are strongly advised to follow the marking criteria (detailed below) when preparing the
report.
Car Transport Trailer
Transporting car using trailer is an important job. There are a wide range of
customers and thus a wide range of needs, and hence designs.
You are required to identify a specific sub group of customers and provide a design
solution for them. It can be trailer for formulae student team; a trailer for F1 team; a
trailer for motor sport fans, ……
You may even want to design horse transport trailer;
You can choose any one of them, however, once you have chosen, it is up to you to
demonstrate your knowledge and capability to complete the design.
http://www.brianjames.co.uk/
- Write about the motorsport trailer

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The assignment will be assessed using the following criteria:
(a) The definition of the problem and the understanding of the customer’s requirements
are clearly and precisely presented, thoroughly and convincingly investigated; the
supporting material are also clearly and convincingly presented. (30%) -- The
investigate design, analyse customer requirements and provide evidence of market
analysis and need for the product. Also estimate who and how will use the product.
Which demographic group the product will target and what could be expected price
range. Similar design if exists are extensively investigated and analysed in critical
manner. Market research data are included and decision making process is logically
and well explained based on evidence.
If the project is a redesign type, then the existing problems should have been clearly
stated and investigated.
(b) A complete engineering design specification is clearly presented, thoroughly and
convincingly arrived at using the information contained in (a). (20%) -- fully analysed
customer requirement and created complete Product Design Specification. All
features of product are clearly defined and ranked in order of priority. Logical
decision-making process is presented and supported by the evidences. Costs
consideration is clearly presented. Elements of Eco-friendly design are apparent and
sustainability is analysed.
(c) A range of design ideas are clearly presented, the appropriate techniques have been
effectively and thoroughly used in generating the ideas. (20%) -- Innovative and open-
minded approach is presented in initial concept designs. Several concept designs are
analysed. Each concept design is presented with sufficiently detailed manner and
fully investigated against Product Design Specification. Pros and Cons of each
concept are analysed and process of decision-making is logical and evidence based.
Both initial hand and CAD drawings are present and well explained. Evidence of good
team work and individual input is apparent.
(d) The final concept design is clearly presented, and how it has been arrived at through
a thorough and convincing evaluation. (20 %) -- Final concept design is presented in
a very comprehensive and professional way. It fully meets customer requirements
and Product Design Specification. Design is Eco friendly and sustainable. Possible
manufacturing methods are explained and analysed. Consideration of potential
materials is logical and coherent with manufacturing methods. Concept is optimised
for costs and potential profit.
(e) Report: Department-wide criteria for good report writing skills are demonstrated.
(10%) The report presents the highest professional standard, is well presented and
structured. Automation tools are used for captions, lists and tables. It describes
created concept and choices are well evidenced. Clear aims and objectives are
stated and implemented throughout the report, design process discussed. No
grammatical errors and conclusions are supported by the evidence presented in the
report. Proper use of references according to APA 6th standard. All relevant
information including group meeting minutes are attached as appendixes.