ABOUT
Abstract
ASME hosts an annual competition between students to test various abilities of RC Baja cars under certain restraints. To compete, two members must coordinate to manufacture a suitable RC Baja car according to the parameters set by ASME. The objective of this project is to design and manufacture the drivetrain and steering mechanism. The other teammate will concurrently design and manufacture the chassis and suspension assembly. The drivetrain consists of two main assemblies, the transmission and the differential. The transmission houses the initial gear reduction as well as the motor and is manufactured using ABS printed plastic. The differential mates directly with the transmission and houses the differential case, four bevel gears, the differential gear and pinion, and two exiting drive shafts. The entering gear and exiting shafts are housed by bearings that press fit to the housing. The differential housing and case are manufactured from ABS printed plastic. Using the design components will yield a top speed of 20 mph. The steering assembly converts rotational motion from a servo motor to a steering rod that moves perpendicular to the chassis of the car. This rod interacts directly with the wheel housing arms and turns the wheels. With the steering rod length, the car will perform a U-turn in less than three feet. The result is a functioning RC Baja car that can reach a top speed of 20 mph and can perform a U-turn in less than 3 feet.
