Professional Documents
Culture Documents
by
KELLY KNAPP
Kelly Knapp
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOVERCRAFT: LIFT SYSTEM AND DESIGN ................................................................... 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... 2
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. 4
LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................... 5
ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................................. 6
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 7
PROBLEM STATEMENT........................................................................................................................................7
BACKGROUND HOW DOES THE LIFT SYSTEM WORK? ....................................................................................... 7
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND EXISTING PRODUCTS ......................................................................................... 8
DESIGN .................................................................................................................................. 13
DESIGN ALTERNATIVES AND SELECTION ......................................................................................................... 13
DRAWINGS ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
LOADING CONDITIONS AND DESIGN- LIFT SYSTEM .......................................................................................... 15
LOADING CONDITIONS AND DESIGN- LIFT DUCT AND BAG SKIRT ................................................................... 16
LOADING CONDITIONS AND DESIGN- RUDDERS AND STEERING COMPONENTS ................................................ 17
COMPONENT SELECTION .................................................................................................................................. 19
BILL OF MATERIALS ......................................................................................................................................... 20
PLAN TO FINISH ................................................................................................................................................ 20
SPECIALIZED TOOLING ..................................................................................................................................... 20
FABRICATION ...................................................................................................................... 21
FRAME FOR LIFT DUCT .................................................................................................................................... 21
T-NUTS FOR SKIRT ATTACHMENT ................................................................................................................... 21
STEERING COLUMN ........................................................................................................................................... 22
RUDDER ASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................................................... 22
SPLITTER DUCT ................................................................................................................................................ 23
EPOXY RESIN ENCAPSULATION AND PAINTING ................................................................................................ 23
PLANNED TESTING ........................................................................................................................................... 24
ACTUAL TESTING AND LOOKING FORWARD..................................................................................................... 24
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX A - RESEARCH................................................................................................... 1
APPENDIX B SURVEY RESULTS ..................................................................................... 1
2
Kelly Knapp
Kelly Knapp
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Hovercraft Principles Diagram .................................................................................. 7
Figure 2: Lift System Principles ............................................................................................... 7
Figure 3: Assembled Hovercraft Kit ......................................................................................... 8
Figure 4: 19XRW Hoverwing ................................................................................................... 8
Figure 5: Reverse Thrust Bucket Equipped Hovercraft ............................................................ 8
Figure 6: Segmented Skirt ...................................................................................................... 13
Figure 7: Bag Skirt .................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 8: Back of Hovercraft .................................................................................................. 14
Figure 9: Isometric Assembly ................................................................................................. 14
Figure 10: Cross Section of Splitter Duct ............................................................................... 14
Figure 11: Cross Section of Lift Duct ..................................................................................... 14
Figure 12: Rudder System ...................................................................................................... 14
Figure 13: Close up of Rudder Assembly ............................................................................... 14
Figure 14: Segment Area Diagram ......................................................................................... 16
Figure 15: Bag Skirt with Proper Pressure ............................................................................. 16
Figure 16: Bag Skirt without Proper Pressure ........................................................................ 16
Figure 17: Solidworks Drawing .............................................................................................. 17
Figure 18: Effects of Hull Slope ............................................................................................. 17
Figure 19: Bending Moment Diagram .................................................................................... 18
Figure 20: Rudder (Top View) ............................................................................................... 18
Figure 21: Rudder Assembly .................................................................................................. 18
Figure 22: Skeleton Frame ...................................................................................................... 21
Figure 23: Inner Lift Duct ....................................................................................................... 21
Figure 24: T Nut (front end) ................................................................................................. 21
Figure 25: T-Nut (side) ........................................................................................................... 21
Figure 26: Steering Column Assembly ................................................................................... 22
Figure 27: Steering Column Frame......................................................................................... 22
Figure 28: Rudder Assembly .................................................................................................. 22
Figure 29: Back of Splitter Duct ............................................................................................. 23
Figure 30: Front of Splitter Duct ............................................................................................ 23
Figure 31: Epoxy Resin Application....................................................................................... 23
Figure 32: Sanding of Epoxy Resin ........................................................................................ 23
Figure 33: Painted Hovercraft ................................................................................................. 23
Kelly Knapp
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Customer Importance Feedback ................................................................................. 9
Table 2: Engineering Characteristics ...................................................................................... 10
Table 3: Cushion Pressure Vs Air Flow ................................................................................. 15
Table 4: Design Budget .......................................................................................................... 25
Table 5: Fabrication Budget.................................................................................................... 25
Table 6: Schedule for Design Quarter .................................................................................... 26
Table 7: Finalized Schedule .................................................................................................... 26
Kelly Knapp
ABSTRACT
Owners of recreational vehicles such as ATVs, boats, and jet-skis are limited to travel
depending on whether they are on land or water. The hovercraft is a vehicle that can travel on
any type of surface including land or water by operating on a cushion of air. While several
companies manufacture hovercraft, they are very expensive and usually include minimal
features.
A hovercraft will be developed that would entice the power-sports enthusiast by offering
the features of all the other recreational vehicles. This hovercraft will be a total replacement
and will be priced below $10,000 to compete against current recreational vehicles.
Team Members and Responsibilities:
Kelly Knapp:
Lift System and Steering
Dave Louderback:
Thrust System and Drivetrain
Jeremy Siderits:
Hovercraft Body and Frame
Kelly Knapp
INTRODUCTION
PROBLEM STATEMENT
A properly designed lift system will be required to raise the hovercraft at least off the
ground while traveling anywhere from 0 to 65 mph. This will provide the proper amount of
lubrication, which will alleviate scrapping against the bottom of the hull and the ground. For
the steering system, handlebars, cables, pulleys, and rudders will be made into an assembly
that will be able to withstand the forces from the thrust fan and alter the direction of the craft
effectively.
Kelly Knapp
Hovercraft
wing
Reverse thrust
buckets.
Kelly Knapp
Customer Importance
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Survey Characteristic
Average Relative Weight %
Durability
4.54
11%
Reliability
4.54
11%
Manueverability
4.31
11%
Speed
4.23
11%
Safety
4.15
10%
Effective Brakes
4.15
10%
Cost
3.92
10%
Ability to Travel in Reverse
3.15
8%
Low Noise
2.92
7%
Cargo Space
2.23
6%
Ability to Two Skiers/Tubers
2.00
5%
Kelly Knapp
In order to achieve the features shown above, specific engineering characteristics were
established. Using a QFD (Quality Deployment Function), these characteristics were given
absolute weights to find the level of importance. They are listed in Table 2.
Engineering Characteristic
Proper tip speed
Hull constructed with
fiberglass seamed marine
grade plywood
Reverse thrust buckets
Sturdy construction
4 cycle engine powered at
85%
Crash bumper
Emergency stop
Rearview mirrors
Screen to cover the fans
Aerodynamic design
Warning labels/fire
extinguisher
Mufflers
Ability to seat 3 passengers
3
2ft cargo space
Tow rope
Absolute
Importance
4.90
4.16
3.83
3.57
2.28
2.27
1.96
1.82
1.71
1.06
1.03
0.95
0.95
0.60
0.55
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Kelly Knapp
Durability (11%):
1. A rubber crash bumper will be placed around the craft and attached to the exterior frame.
2. The hull will be constructed using marine grade plywood coated with an epoxy primer and an
enamel grade finish for waterproofing.
3. All seams will be joined by fiberglass for superior strength and waterproofing.
4. All metal used for engine mounts or frame support will be primed and painted to prevent corrosion.
Speed (11%):
1. The craft will be designed to travel in excess of 40 mph on calm water.
2. Sloped shapes will be used to reduce drag.
Maneuverability (11%):
1. Reverse thrust buckets can be used in addition to the normal rudders to control the movement of the
craft.
2. A turning radius of zero is achievable with minimal thrust but increases with speed.
Safety (10%):
1. A screen will cover the thrust and lift fans.
2. Fan tip speed will be kept below the manufacturers maximum tip speed in order to keep the fan
blades from breaking and possibly injuring people.
3. Warning labels will be placed on:
a. Any electrical device to prevent shock
b. Around the fans to prevent injury
c. Near engines to prevent burns
4. A fire extinguisher will be placed on board in the event that the engine catches fire.
5. All other safety requirements will be upheld based on part manuals.
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Kelly Knapp
3. An emergency stop feature will be used to cut power to the lift fan. Pads on the bottom of the hull
will prevent damage when this feature is used.
Cost (10%):
1. The hovercraft will be priced similar to an ATV or Jet Ski, around $10,000 new.
12
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DESIGN
DESIGN ALTERNATIVES AND SELECTION
The lift system could be powered by either one or two engines. The comparison below best
demonstrates the pros and cons between the two systems (3).
Twin Engine
Pros
Independent control is possible. One engine
lifts the craft while the other engine propels it
forward. This allows the users to hover in
place.
Easier to balance.
Cons
Twice as many engines, twice the
maintenance.
More expensive
Heavier since two engines creating a total of X
horsepower are usually heavier than one
engine producing the same X horsepower.
Single Engine
Pros
Only one setup required fewer moving parts,
oil changes, and fuel tanks
Aesthetically looks better
Less expensive
Less noise
Fewer Vibrations
Lighter
Cons
More difficult to pilot
A minimum rpm of the fan must be held at
all times
A single engine setup was chosen since it had fewer moving parts, lower costs, lower noise
levels, and it weighed lighter. With the engine setup selected, the skirt system could be
analyzed. The two primary options for skirt options are the segmented, or finger, skirt and the
bag skirt. A better representation is shown in Figure 6 and 7 (6).
Pros
Easier to repair
Easier to balance
Better climbing capability
Cons
Higher costs
Bouncy ride
Cons
Higher drag
Poor take off performance when floating
The bag skirt was chosen because it has better stability, it weighs less, and it is several
hundred dollars cheaper.
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DRAWINGS
Assembly Drawings
14
Kelly Knapp
= 0.0625 ft
Air Velocity
Using the relationship table shown in Table 3, the air velocity was
interpolated from the cushion air pressure. This was calculated to an
Air Velocity = 115.3 ft/s. Air velocity losses due to friction from
asphalt, grass, or water are equal to an average of 40%
Normal cruising speeds will generate about 30000 total CFM. Since only 30% is directed to
the lift system, only 9000 CFM will be generated at normal cruising speed. For safety
concerns, (6)6000 CFM will still generate an adequate hover gap (3).
Theoretical HP Requirement
= 2385.8 ft-lb/s
4.34 HP
= 17 HP
Engine is to run @ 85% to prevent engine wear and tear
= 20 HP
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areaK =
= 404.78 in
Kelly Knapp
Hull Slope
The proper angle for the hovercraft perimeter of the hull should be 25 to 35 to prevent side
plow-in, or the skirt getting sucked underneath the hovercraft. See Figure 17 and 18 for
clarification. The top illustration in Figure 6 shows what will happen for angles much greater
than 35 (3).
Thrust Pressure =
= 0.307 psi
Rudder Forces
Stresses on Rudder
Force = 63 lbs
Angle of rudder direction = 45
Actual Force = 63 lbs x sin(45) = 44.55 lbs
17
Kelly Knapp
With the forces calculated, the force on the rudder was set up as a beam calculation. Notice
from Figure 19 that there will be two pins holding the rudder. These will act as supports for
the beam. The rudder was designed out of balsa wood and was tapered from 1 thick to a
point, therefore, a beam thickness was assumed and the stresses were calculated (9).
=- (
M2 = -
)(
Section Modulus
s=
= 0.333 in
max =
= 208.8 psi
Kelly Knapp
DIA = , Length = 3
Ab = 3 in x 0.125 in = 0.375 in
At Vmax = 38.981 lbs
b = F/A =
bd = 0.90 sy sy = bd / 0.90
sy =
= 103.95 psi
= 115.5 psi
COMPONENT SELECTION
Bag Skirt
The bag skirt was chosen to be made out of 30 wide 16 oz neoprene coated nylon. It is
approximately $6.00 / lineal foot. Nylon is a very strong, resilient material that will survive
repeated frictional abuse. The neoprene coating provides additional features such as (7):
Splitter Duct
For the splitter duct, 0.030 stainless steel was chosen for superior strength and durability. It
was donated for the project.
Rudder material
The rudders will be comprised of 8 wide Douglas fir wood. The rudder will be one inch in
diameter and tapered to a small radius. It will also be covered with fiberglass resin to provide
a smoother surface.
Pin Material and Cables
Cold drawn steel will be used for the holding pins and cables. While this material is heavy,
the parts being used are very small so only a small amount of weight will be added. Cold
drawn steel is also very strong so it is perfect for the application.
Rudder Base Brackets
The rudder base brackets holding the pins will be made out of thick aluminum plate.
Since the brackets will have a thicker cross sectional area, a lighter, weaker material such as
aluminum is ideal for the application.
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Kelly Knapp
BILL OF MATERIALS
PLAN TO FINISH
The order of fabrication is as follows. The areas in bold symbolize my responsibility of the
project
1. Construct ribs and stringers
2. Cover Inside ducts with foam and panels
3. Attach outside shell and cargo area with plywood
4. Attach thrust duct and splitter
5. Install engine and mounting hardware
6. Install fan
7. Install Rudders
8. Remove all parts not to be painted
9. Paint
10. Re-assemble
11. Attach skirt and make final adjustments
SPECIALIZED TOOLING
Rudders
20
Kelly Knapp
FABRICATION
FRAME FOR LIFT DUCT
Initially, the skeleton was made (shown in Figure 22) and then the buoyancy foam was
poured. When the foam was rising, 1/8 plywood panels were set in place so that the airflow
in the lift duct would be undisturbed. See Figure 23.
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Kelly Knapp
STEERING COLUMN
The steering column was constructed with Douglas fir 2x2s. The steering column was built
using a wheel and pulley system. Plastic-coated stainless steel was wrapped around the wheel
and tightly connected to the rudder brackets. Figure 26 and 27 show clarification.
RUDDER ASSEMBLY
The rudders were hand-crafted out of a Douglas fir 2x8 and mounted on a sliding bracket that
pivoted on base mounts. The top of the rudders were held in place by brackets and a pin that
spins freely as shown in Figure 28.
22
Kelly Knapp
SPLITTER DUCT
The splitter duct was made out of 0.030 stainless steel. It was shaped and welded so that it
diverted air in all three axis. See below.
23
Kelly Knapp
PLANNED TESTING
A manometer as shown in Figure 22 will be placed in various areas around the inner duct of
the hull to test for correct pressures.
Another testing measure will be to ensure bag skirt
inflates to the proper shape. The correct shape as outlined
the design for the bag skirt verifies that the 20% pressure
differential is being obtained.
in
24
Kelly Knapp
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
LIFT SYSTEM AND STEERING PROPOSED BUDGET
Our original budget for the lift system and steering was $675.00. However, we decided to go
with a single engine setup which reduced the costs of the lift system and steering by $235.00.
Please see the proposed budget in Appendix E. The actual budget is shown below in Table 4
and 5.
Table 4: Design Budget
System
Bag
Skirt
Steering
Component
Qty
Description
Price
Bag Skirt
Splitter System
1
1
$200.00
$25.00
Handlebars
Inside Rudders
Outside Rudders
Cables and
Pulleys
1
2
2
Jet-Ski Handlebars
Douglas Fir - 25.625" x 8"
Douglas Fir - 22" x 8"
Aluminum cables and
pulleys
Total
$50.00
$20.00
$20.00
$25.00
$340.00
Steering
Component
Qty
Description
Price
Bag Skirt
Splitter System
1
1
$150.00
$25.00
Handlebars
Inside Rudders
Outside Rudders
Cables and
Pulleys
1
2
2
Jet-Ski Handlebars
Balsa Wood - 25.625" x 8"
Balsa Wood - 22" x 8"
Aluminum cables and
pulleys
Total
$25.00
$30.00
$30.00
$25.00
$285.00
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Kelly Knapp
PROPOSED SCHEDULE
Figure 9 shows the proposed schedule for the design quarter. In the beginning we did work
on design, but our approach was admittedly casual. By mid-January, however, we began
working very hard and were able to keep the schedule on track. Since then we have kept up
an intense pace and we have made a great deal of progress.
Table 6: Schedule for Design Quarter
11/24/2010
1/31/2011
2/28/2011
3/7/2011
5/20/2011
5/23/2011
5/30/2011
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Kelly Knapp
REFERENCES
1. Universal Hovercraft. UH-10F Entry Level Hovercraft. Universal Hovercraft. [Online]
Universal Hovercraft. [Cited: 09 29, 2010.]
http://www.hovercraft.com/content/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=33_40.
2. . 19XRW Hoverwing. Universal Hovercraft. [Online] Universal Hovercraft. [Cited: 09
29, 2010.] http://www.hovercraft.com/content/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2.
3. Perozzo, James. Hovercrafting as a Hobby. Bend, OR : Maverick Publications, 2001.
4. Neoteric Hovercraft. 4 Passenger Recreational Specifications. Neoteric Hovercraft.
[Online] Neoteric Hovercraft. [Cited: 09 20, 2010.]
http://neoterichovercraft.com/specifications/4Lspecifications.htm.
5. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft. The legal
requirements of boating: towing a person with a boat or PWC legally. BOAT-ED. [Online]
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft, 04 02, 2010. [Cited: 09 29,
2010.] www.boat-ed.com/oh/course/p4-15_reqspectotowing.htm.
6. Mott, Robert L. Machine Elements in Mechanical Design. Upper Saddle River : Pearson
Prentice Hall, 2004.
7. Fitzgerald, Christopher and Wilson, Robert. Light Hovercraft Design. Foley, AL : The
Hoverclub of America, Inc., 1995.
8. Springer, Ryan. Hovercraft Manufacturer. Rockford, IL, 09 29, 2010.
9. Baker, Larry and Kathleen. Power Sports Enthusiasts. Cincinnati, OH, 10 01, 2010.
10. Simons, Chuck. Power Sports Sales Specialist. Cincinnati, OH, 10 01, 2010.
11. Hovercraft Forum. Hoverclub of America. [Online] June 6, 2008. [Cited: September 20,
2010.] http://www.hoverclubofamerica.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=1569.
27
APPENDIX A - RESEARCH
Problem:
Owners of recreational vehicles such as ATVs, boats, and jet-skis are limited to travel
depending on whether they are on land or water. The hovercraft is a recreational vehicle that
can travel on any type of surface including land or water. While several companies
manufacture hovercraft, they are very expensive and usually include minimal features. A
hovercraft will be developed that would entice the power-sports enthusiast by offering the
features of all the other recreational vehicles. This hovercraft will be a total replacement.
Also the hovercraft to be developed will be built for less than $10,000 in order to compete
against present-day recreational vehicles.
Appendix A1
Interview Notes:
Interview with power sports sales specialist, Oct. 1, 2010
Chuck Simons (513-752-0088)
Beechmont Motorsports, 646 Mount Moriah Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45245.
Sells recreational vehicles including ATVs, Jet-Skis, and Dirtbikes.
All vehicles offer excitement but are limited by either land or water.
Chuck stated that the reasons why people buy recreational vehicles are:
Automatic Transmission
Fuel-Injected Engine
Speed
Noise Levels
Cargo area
Carrying racks (For ATVs)
Larry and Kathleen said that the newer engines are very electrical and their brand new
ATV and jet-ski models had broken down several times and were difficult to repair.
They stated they would never buy a newer model again and that older style engines
were more reliable and much simpler.
They stated that their jet-ski was fun because they could tow their children on a tube.
(In our research, we found that in the state of Ohio, a motorsports vehicle is only
capable to pull a third party if it is rated to carry at least three people on-board and it
has mirrors to see behind the vehicle).
The hovercrafts hull should be slightly tapered and buoyant so that it floats in water
in case of engine failure.
Universal Hovercraft is proud that they only use four-stroke engines. A two-stroke
engine produces loud winding noise levels and they are less reliable.
A bag skirt is more customer-friendly since they are thicker than finger skirts and
repairing is easy to do in the field with scrap PVC coated nylon and skirt glue. Also,
the bottoms of the finger skirt deteriorate quickly since they are typically made of
thinner material.
Appendix A2
Related Products:
http://www.hovercraft.com/co
ntent/index.php?main_page=in
dex&cPath=33_40
9/29/10
UH-10F Hovercraft
The UH-10F Entry Level Hovercraft is a great design for first time
builders, high school technology classes and home science projects.
First time builders and students get hands-on experience in
woodworking, fiberglass, small engines, propellers, as well as gaining
knowledge in engineering, aerodynamics and physics.
A single 10 hp Tecumseh horizontal shaft engine turns a two blade 36inch ducted propeller that provides both lift and thrust. This single
engine design is both simple and reliable, and has been successfully
built and flown by students in hundreds of schools and colleges
throughout the world. The 10F complies with the Hoverclub of
America Entry Level racing requirements.
It's built from a foam and plywood sandwich construction. The
combination of these materials makes a low cost, high strength
composite structure that is un-sinkable.
Driving the craft is easy as it has only two controls; steering and
throttle. Slowly advancing the throttle will bring the craft up on
cushion. Adding a little more power accelerates the craft. Speed is
easily controlled by increasing or decreasing engine rpm. First time
pilots can learn to operate the craft in a very short period of time.
The craft will operate on land, water, snow, ice, mud, parking lots,
football fields, ponds and rivers. Speed varies over each terrain.
Smoother terrain will allow the craft to achieve higher speeds while
rough terrain will slow the craft.
The Hoverclub of America has designed a racing program
specifically for the 10F & 10F2 Entry Level Hovercraft. The
program is designed to allow close competition between
individual competitors, High Schools and Universities at a very
affordable price. See Hoverclub of America for more
information.
Appendix A3
http://neoterichovercraft.com/specifications/4L
specifications.htm 9/20/10 Hovertrek,
Neoterichovercraft.com, Neoteric Hovercraft
Appendix A4
http://www.hovercraft.com/content/index.ph
p?main_page=index&cPath=2 , 9/29/10,
19XRW Hoverwing, hovercraft.com,
Universal Hovercraft
Universal Hovercraft is proud to offer the UH19XRW Hoverwing ground-effect vehicle for
recreational, industrial, commercial, military sales.
It is available to our customers on a ready to run
turnkey basis. The Hoverwing, designed as a
high performance hovercraft, is unique because of
the ability to add wings for flight in ground-effect.
Flying in ground-effect enables you to clear
obstacles and fly over rough water at speeds in
excess of 75 mph. Cruise altitude is 2 to 6 feet and
the craft can jump up to 20 feet to clear large
obstacles. Operating in ground-effect does not
require a pilot's license, and the craft is registered
as a boat which brings a wide range of new
opportunities to the commercial and tourism
industry.
Removing the wings from the Hoverwing takes
just 10 minutes. With the wings removed the
Hoverwing converts into Sport mode, a sleek
high performance hovercraft, able to carry 4 to 6
passengers into areas that can't be reached with
any other vehicle. The Hoverwing can be
configured in many different ways to
accommodate your passengers or equipment
needs.
Appendix A5
Safety
Durability
Reliability
Maneuverability
Effective brakes
Ability to travel in
reverse
Low noise
Cargo space
Speed
Ability to tow
skiers/tubers
Cost
1 = low importance
5 = high importance
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2(1)
3(5)
3(1)
3(1)
3(1)
3(3)
4(1)
4(4)
4(4)
4(7)
4(2)
5(7)
5(8)
5(8)
5(5)
5(7)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2(3)
3(6)
4(3)
5(1)
N/A
1(1)
1(4)
1(1)
2(5)
2(4)
2(1)
3(3)
3(4)
3
4(2)
4
4(3)
5(2)
5(1)
5(8)
N/A
N/A
N/A
1(6)
2(2)
4(4)
N/A
1(1)
2(1)
3(2)
4(3)
5(6)
N/A
AVG
4.15
4.54
4.54
4.31
4.15
3.15
2.92
2.23
4.23
2.00
3.92
$15,000+(3)
Appendix B1
Abs. importance
Rel. importance
1.71
0.05
9
9
9
1
1
9
3
9
1
1
3
3
9
3
1
9
3
1
9
3
9
1
9
1
4.2
4.5
4.5
4.3
4.2
3.2
2.9
2.2
4.2
2
3.9
0.10
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.10
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.11
0.05
0.10
Relative weight %
Relative weight
Customer importance
Tow rope
Rearview mirrors
Aerodynamic design
Mufflers
9
9
9
3
1
9
9
1
1
Emergency stop
9
9
9
3
3
9
Crash bumper
Sturdy construction
9
9
9
3
3
3
9
9
3
3
Safety
Durability
Reliability
Maneuverability
Effective brakes
Ability to travel in reverse
Low noise
Cargo space
Speed
Ability to tow skiers/tubers
Cost
APPENDIX C QFD
10%
11%
11%
11%
10%
8%
7%
6%
11%
5%
10%
4.90 1.03 2.28 3.57 2.27 4.16 3.83 1.96 0.95 0.60 1.06 0.95 1.82 0.55 31.6
0.16 0.03 0.07 0.11 0.07 0.13 0.12 0.06 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.06 0.02
Appendix C1
The following is a list of product objectives and how they will be obtained or measured to ensure that the goals of the project
were met. The product objectives will focus on the various aspects of a hovercraft. The hovercraft is a recreational vehicle and will
be designed to provide safe enjoyment for its users.
Reliability (11%):
5. A four cycle engine will be used, instead of the unreliable 2 cycle that is used on many hovercraft.
6. All electrical connections will be soldered and then covered with heat wrap to ensure
Durability (11%):
5. A rubber crash bumper will be placed around the craft and attached to the exterior frame.
6. The hull will be constructed using marine grade plywood coated with an epoxy primer and an enamel grade finish for
waterproofing.
7. All seams will be joined by fiberglass for superior strength and waterproofing.
8. All metal used for engine mounts or frame support will be primed and painted to prevent corrosion.
Speed (11%):
3. The craft will be designed to travel in excess of 40 mph on calm water.
4. Sloped shapes will be used to reduce drag.
Maneuverability (11%):
3. Reverse thrust buckets can be used in addition to the normal rudders to control the movement of the craft.
4. A turning radius of zero is achievable with minimal thrust but increases with speed.
Appendix C2
Safety (10%):
6. A screen will cover the thrust and lift fans.
7. Fan tip speed will be kept below the manufacturers maximum tip speed in order to keep the fan blades from breaking and possibly
injuring people.
8. Warning labels will be placed on:
a. Any electrical device to prevent shock
b. Around the fans to prevent injury
c. Near engines to prevent burns
9. A fire extinguisher will be placed on board in the event that the engine catches fire.
10. All other safety requirements will be upheld based on part manuals.
Cost (10%):
2. The hovercraft will be priced similar to an ATV or Jet Ski, around $10,000 new.
2. The design will allow at least 2 ft3 of cargo space, located under the seat or in the front of the hull.
Appendix C4
SCHEDULE:
Appendix D1
Component
Bag Skirt
Lift Engine
Lift Fan
Muffler
Description
Vinyl coated nylon fabric
4-stroke engine
Multi-blade fan
Muffler system
Price
$125.00
$100.00
$250.00
$50.00
Thrust
Thrust Engine
Thrust Fan
Belt System
Reverse Buckets
Muffler
$100.00
$350.00
$50.00
$50.00
$50.00
Body
Steering
Handlebars
Rudders
Handlebar system
Rudder system
$100.00
$50.00
Electrical
Temperature Gauge
Temperature Gauge
Tachometer
Tachometer
Battery
Alternator
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$50.00
$50.00
Misc
N/A
$375.00
Total
$2,370.00
Appendix D2