Transcript Race Car Steering Redesign - Stevens Institute of Technology

Race Car Steering Redesign
Group 6:
 Joseph Haydu
 Brian Quinn
 Noelle Bomberger
 Assisted by
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Jim Waterman
Advisor:
 Jan Nazalewicz, P. E.
Overview
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Objectives
Optimized design
 Give future group head start in competition
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Deliverables
Reports and Presentations for ME 424
 Final design and Analysis
 Fabricated steering system
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Previous System
Analysis of Previous System
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Geometry did not comply to Ackermann
Equations
System became mis-aligned regularly
Investigated quick release mechanism
Ackermann Equations
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R = (B/2) + [L / tan(αin)]
αout= ArcTan{ 1/ [(B/L)+(1/Tan(αin))] }
R - Radius of Turn
B - Distance between front and rear axle
L - Distance to convergent point of steering linkages
αin - Angle of inside wheel turn
αout - Angle of outside wheel turn
Ackermann Geometry
Steering System
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Steering Wheel
Quick Release
Steering Column
Rack and pinion Gearing
Steering Linkages
Turning Performance
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Inputs
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Total car weight (W) = 815 lbf
Height of car Center of Gravity from road (h) = 1.5 ft
Distance between wheels on axles (wb) = 3.92 ft
Coefficient of friction for wheels is 1
Information from Ackerman Equations
Assumed weight distribution even between front and rear
axles
Outputs Conditions
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Car tipping
Sliding sideways
Ackermann Analysis
Old Design Analysis
New Design Analysis
Linkage Specifications
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Rack and pinion in front of axle
Ackermann Steering
Minimize fabrication for maximum benefit
Analyzed model through SolidWorks to
minimize error from Ackermann Equations
Final Decision: Construct and test new linkages
Linkage Redesign
Linkage Redesign
Model of New Steering System
Quick Release Goals
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Minimize time for driver to exit vehicle
Difficult to false trigger
Ease of use
Ergonomics
Final decision: not sufficient improvement over
existing design to warrant construction
Quick Release Designs
Still to come
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Final Report
Testing
Cushion stoppages to prevent damage and misalignment due to mechanical shock