Scott Garfield - Team Lead
My names is Scott and I am the Team Lead for the Active Suspension Development Team. I am in my final year at SJSU pursuing a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Ever since I was a child, I have had a strong passion for motorsports. I am constantly observing how the technology in both passenger cars and race cars has improved over the years. When I saw how the Spartan Superway is not only a solution to a worldwide transportation problem but also a completely new mode of transportation, I became immediately attracted to it. I hope to use the vast knowledge that I have gained from my passion for motorsports to help make this transportation system a reality.
Tyler
Hi everyone my name is Tyler and I'm a senior mechanical engineering major with a focus in mechanical design at SJSU. I am a car/motorcycle enthusiast and have always had an interest in transportation as long as it has a motor, which is what drew me closer to becoming a member of the Spartan Superway project. The Active Suspension aspect of the project drew my attention as It has a close relationship do suspension systems in vehicles. I look forward to bringing my engineering and leadership skills to the project and hopefully creating some new work that will gain the interest of others in the transportation field along with the public.
Matt
Hello everyone, my name is Matt and I am a “Senior” ME but I will not be graduating until Fall ‘16. I am excited to be working with the Active Suspension Team and designing a one of a kind suspension system for the Spartan Superway. My true passion is working on cars and trucks; namely rockcrawler/baja type stuff, which is what drew me to want to be a part of this particular subteam. I hope to bring a different perspective to this project while learning from others’ strengths and points of view.
Dale
Dale Franklin is a Senior at San Jose State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His interest in efficiency and automobiles led him to join the Spartan Superway as his senior project. Dale feels confident working in a team, leading when necessary but always open to new points of view and input.
NJ
I am a Senior Mechanical Engineering student at San Jose State University. I have recently had the privilege of joining the Active Suspension Team, for the Spartan Superway Project. I have always been enthusiastic about off road vehicles, specifically lifting and increasing the suspension travel, while keeping the vehicle balanced. When the opportunity arose to be involved in the active suspension design and fabricating, I have jumped on board right away! This project has presented a big opportunity to improve and challenge my skills in CAD, and ANSYS software programs, as well as making new friends, and developing stronger communication skills. Based on the experience I acquire through working on this project, I hope to further my knowledge and gain essential skills to get into the automotive industry. Overall, i am very excited to be on this team, and working with everyone involved in it.
Scope of work and goals
Due to the many axes of excitation in transportation, our suspension system needs to be able to adapt to a variety of situations, and satisfy the following key points:
- The suspension system must isolate any vibration in the vertical axis due to the bogie wheels rolling against the overhead track. Vibration can come from irregularities in the track such as seams and transitions or unevenness in the rail construction.
- The suspension system must allow for the cabin to tilt front to back and stay level with the ground when ascending or descending rail grades of assumed 17 degree angles. At the same time, the suspension system must stop the cabin from swaying front to back when it experiences an abrupt start or stop.
- The suspension system must allow for the cabin to remain parallel with the ground and even with the platform when at a station, as well as counteracting the load/passenger weight to keep the cabin entrance same level as the platform. This will ensure easy access to the wheelchair users.
- Since these conditions require that the suspension system be active, the suspension system must have sensors monitoring the motion and the track of the system, as well as a control system to interpret its current state and make the appropriate adjustments.
