.jpg)
Advanced Motorsports (AMS) Enterprise - Competition Trailer Improvements
Why This Project Is Important
Blizzard Baja, Clean Snowmobile Challenge, Formula SAE, and Supermileage Systems are the Enterprise teams that the Advanced Motorsports (AMS) Enterprise represents. Every year, our teams travel thousands of miles to particpate in collegiate design competitions across the country. When traveling to those competitions with the AMS trucks and trailers, we are representing Michigan Tech. Just last year, the Blizzard Baja team traveled to California for a national competition. It is important to have equipment that not only shows our professionalism at competition, but also our school pride while on the road. Recently, a 2014 F-350 Super Duty was donated to AMS Enterprise. Ideally, we would like to have trailers that match the quality and condition of our new truck.
Project Description
Currently, our two enclosed trailers have room for improvements. We currenlty have one older generator that has to be shared between four teams, and this creates a problem when two teams have overlapping events. After several years of normal wear and tear, the non-slip floor covering needs replacement. While at the Collegiate Design Series competitions, work often needs to be performed on the vehicles by multiple people, and the electrical cords and air lines that run throughout the work area can become a hazard. The lack of permanent work benches also make in-competition tasks difficult. Overhead cabinets would provide organized storage and prevent damage during the long trips to competition. Finally, improved lighting will contribute to a safer work area.
Meet the Researchers
Rick Berkey
I am a Professor of Practice in the Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology Dept. (MMET) and serve as the Enterprise Program Director, housed in the Pavlis Honors College (PHC). I advise the Supermileage Systems Enterprise, one of four teams under Michigan Tech Advanced Motorsports. I also teach two courses in Lean/Six Sigma methods as a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Prior to Michigan Tech, I spent twelve years in industry in various roles including product development, materials, program management, operations, and Lean/Six Sigma/Quality. I've worked in the automotive, commercial vehicle, and consumer product sectors and have authored/co-authored ten patents in the area of automotive filtration products/systems.
LinkedIn Profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rick-berkey/4/641/8a5
Samuel Phelan
I will be graduating in the spring 2017 with my BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Currently, I am the president of the Michigan Tech chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers. I am also a part of the Drive train team within the Blizzard Baja Enterprise and working with my senior design team to redesign a gear reduction system. Outside of my education at Michigan Tech, I am also a team member of FY Racing, a professional rally team based out of Houghton.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-phelan-92375180/
William Logan
I am a 5th undergraduate student here at Michigan Technological University. I will be graduating this spring with a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a Structural Materials minor. I am currently the Vice President of the Michigan Tech chapter for the Society of Automotive Engineers. I also work with the Blizzard Baja Enterprise here and currently hold the positions of Winter Baja Race Coordinator as well as Vehicle Manager. My projects on the team include coordinating the yearly Winter Baja race hosted by our Baja team as well as my senior design project for CV axle shafts.
days left
funded
last
What Your Donation Can Help Us Do:
- Update and improve our two enclosed race competition trailers.
$75 (0/20)
Name or company name on commemorative plaque inside trailers
$100 2 Funders
Advanced Motorsports Baseball Hat OR T-Shirt
Recent Donors
Some donors may be hidden.
Gifts to projects listed on SUPERIORIDEAS.ORG are received and processed by Michigan Tech Fund. Michigan Tech Fund is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code acting on behalf of Michigan Technological University. It is the policy of Michigan Tech Fund that a portion of the gifts and/or income therefrom may be used to defray the costs of raising and administering the funds.