The purpose of this project is to apply knowledge gained in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Central Washington University. It will address all the various aspects of engineering, from project management to designing a product that meets engineering standards. This project will address the complications involved in designing a modular hardtop for a vehicle. The courses in this program will help address the problem in many ways. Classes such as Strength of Materials, Mechanical design, Plastics and Composites, Statics, and Thermodynamics have led me to a point where I can create a product that is viable.
The motivation behind this project was seeing a lack of diverse options on the market for Jeep TJ hardtops. There are three hardtop options for a Jeep TJ owner, you either buy an OEM hardtop, or one of the two other aftermarket options available. Out of the three options, there is only one hardtop that is modular, and it only has the capability to separate into two sections. This project will address the lack of options by producing a modular product that has the capability to separate into five sections.
