Payload Attachment Concepts Overview Securing the payload is

Payload Attachment Concepts

Overview • • • Securing the payload is important for safety and appearance. The payload should not come off the platform during platform operation. The platform should look organized when the attachment device is not in use.

Needs Addressed SAFETY (1) u Perform required tasks (3) u Economical (5) u Robust (6) u Appealing (8) u Easy to manufacture (11) u

Issues The securing devices must be easily concealed in the platform. u They must therefore be light and small to not overload the platform. u It is desirable to have the mounting holes be multi-functional for multiple mounting devices. u

CONCEPTS u Tee nuts • These can be secured by a bolt to a slot, meaning they can be moved to any location along the slot. u Toggle clamps • These are a quick and simple way to tightly secure the payload; just turn a lever.

Concepts u Tie-Down Straps • These are lightweight and easy to use and store u Bungee holes around edge • Bungee cords are easy to use, and mounting them in specific holes would add strength

Concepts u Platform materials with holes • More holes than the previous idea, easier because purchased with holes u Platform materials with threaded holes • Advantageous to a simple grid because anchors could be applied to the holes

CONCEPTS u Drop-Down Gates • Gates would be easily storable, and would fence the whole platform u Side Flaps • Flaps would easily expand the surface area of the platform, and be easily storable

Preliminary Analysis u Tee nuts • Pros Versatile u Looks impressive u • Cons Difficult to manufacture u Not economical u u Toggle clamps • Pros Easy to assemble u Looks impressive u • Cons Difficult to manufacture u Expensive u

Preliminary Analysis u Tie-Down Straps • Pros No assembly u Clean in appearance u • Cons Not as strong as some methods u Expensive u u Bungee holes around edge • Pros Easy to use u Economical u • Cons Not a strong hold on payload u Difficult to manufacture u

Preliminary Analysis u Drilled holes (grid) • Pros No assembly u Economical u • Cons Not impressive in appearance u Not a strong hold on payload u u Drilled and tapped holes • Pros Added visual appeal u More secure hold on payload u • Cons Not easy to use u Not durable u

Preliminary Analysis u Drop-Down Gates • Pros u Impressive in appearance • Cons Not easy to manufacture u Not light u u Side Flaps • Pros u Impressive in appearance • Cons Not robust u Not much restraining force on load u

Final concept Create a Drilled and Tapped Grid Through Pugh charts, we deduced that these two options met more of our criteria with a higher score than any others. The grid without threads was versatile in anchoring the load, and the threads added to our payloadsecuring options. We looked for bungee cords for this design, and found two options on MSC Direct. One was essentially four cords bundled in the middle (hooks are made of fiberglass and nylon), costing $14. 65 per cord, and the other was a rubber bungee cord, 5/16 inches wide with metal S-hooks, costing $4. 01 per cord.