ABSTRACT
The passenger seat in hatchback vehicles is sometimes adjusted to create more space for cargo and passengers oftentimes stretch uncomfortably in attempt to load and offload heavy cargo. This paper is focused on designing a portable carrier system to minimise passenger’s efforts while conveying heavy loads to desired destinations. Quality Function Design (QFD) method was used to analyse four conceptual designs in terms of safety, function, interaction, cost and ergonomics and the second concept was selected as the final design due to its potentials compared to the third and fourth concepts which were used in the design analysis. CATIA software was used to carry out stress analysis using a force of 10KN equivalent to about 1000Kg and the maximum stress was about 80MPa, with stress concentrations around the edges where the framework is vertically attached to the surface plate. Also, the final design efficiency was about 80% which therefore implies that the design is optimal. Incorporated in the final design is also a roller at the base of the carrier for ease of mobility and manoeuvrability.
