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Steering & Suspension

RC BAJA:

Fall Quarter Presentation

Winter Quarter Presentation

Spring Quarter Presentation

Report

INTRO

In this project, the goal is to make engineering predictions and analyses to create an RC Baja car that will not break when undergoing the competition events all while following specific requirements. The engineering problem chosen was the RC Baja competition. The three events that will be testing the RC Baja cars for maneuverability, strength, and performance are the Slalom-and-Sprint, Baja, and Race course events. The project is conducted by Rogelio Arroyos and Roberto Vieyra, where Rogelio is responsible for the suspension and steering, while Roberto is responsible for the chassis and drivetrain. This portion of the project, will be focused on the steering and suspension components of the RC Baja.

Figure 1- SolidWorks 3D CAD model of RC device.

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Figure 2- RC summarized results.

RESULTS

The RC began with simple analyses that turned into real life components with the use of 3D printers to manufacture the majority of the parts that make the RC. The RC suspension and steering underwent many changes up to its latest prototype, but the suspension was redesigned the most between the two systems. The RC performed well during the 2 foot drop test with some components breaking due to not enough tensile strength in the threads for the 3d printed ball joint ends. The RC used all ground clearance to deflect and showed an average deflection value of 3.8 cm in the front view and 2.63 cm in the side view. The RC did not meet the requirement of .1" deflection and exceeded the predicted value of 3.6cm. In the next test, the RC also did not meet the predicted turning radius of 2 feet and exceeded the required value of no more than 4 feet. The RC demonstrated an average turning radius of 4.31 feet, which could be due to the size of the wheels creating wheel tilt and affecting the steering angle to deviate out more. The final test was done to determine the max steering angle of the RC. The test showed the RC had the most turning angle while turning to the right with 35 degrees, while turning to the left only showed 29 degrees at most. The required value of 60 degrees was not met and the predicted value of 25.7 degrees was achieved. The reason the RC can have more angle one way could be due to the alignment or the ball joint ends allowing for more play and creating more angle in that direction. Overall, the RC was able to perform the test successfully with minimal risks that were able to be fixed right away, but the RC was not successful in completing the requirements because the way the RC was designed with large wheels and 4WD steering knuckles, it limited the steering capabilities and added weight to the RC which would be experienced by during the 2 foot drop.  The RC was able to reach a predicted steering value of 25.7 degrees, but the rest of the predicted values were not achieved. Although the RC did not achieve all the predictions and requirements, the RC was successful in competing in all events and placing 4th place during the competition with heating issues due to the brushed motor used at the time. The RC began as an idea and challenge between the team members to print as much as possible and it was discovered to have a learning curve because the team started with no previous knowledge of RCs and how they functions. There would be lots of things that can be changed to improve the performance with the information the team now knows, but the budget has been well exceeded. It was a great learning experience and most definitely a fun challenge constructing and testing the RC then put it into action in the Baja competitions events.

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