Universal Electric Airplane Tug

Inceptus wants an easy to use electric airplane tug that works with a wide variety of tire sizes as well as aircraft with wheel pants.

=Problem Definition=

Background Currently, there are no airplane tugs on the market that can tow multiple aircraft with little input from the user or without significant modification with changes in wheel type. As the average age of the general aviation pilot increases, the need for an easy to use powered airplane tug increases. Also, most flight schools have multiple airplane tugs to pull specific airplanes. The goal is to create a solution for this problem by designing an airplane tug that can be used with a wide variety of tire sizes and types including those with wheel pants. Our solution will be easy to use and require very little input from the user.

Specifications
 Tire Sizes 
 * The tug must be able to move aircraft with the following tire sizes:
 * 4.00x4
 * 5.00x6
 * 6.00x6
 * 7.00x6
 * 8.00x6

 Strength Requirements
 * The design shall be able to carry a rolling load of 4000 lbs, up a 2% grade and must be able to handle a static load of 500 lbs.

Mounting/ Interface Requirements
 * The tug shall be able to mount and interact with all different types of wheels, including wheels with pants.

=Project Learning=

Design 1
Stand Alone System System on Pallet Jack




 * Gate is closed by operator
 * Linear actuator (not shown) pushes wheel against gate
 * Sliding mechanism uses UHMW plastic to reduce friction and part count
 * Roller bearings are used to “lift” wheel when clamped
 * V shape helps stabilize tires of different width


 * First Design
 * Second Design

=Final Design=

=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes



Presentations



Client Interview