Formula SAE Shifting
Location
CSU 203
Start Date
16-4-2013 2:20 PM
End Date
16-4-2013 3:20 PM
Student's Major
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Bruce Jones
Mentor's Department
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The purpose of this project presented within was to research and develop a pneumatically controlled hydraulic clutch for the Formula SAE car. The problem with the shifting mechanism is that it is a hydraulically controlled clutch that requires a driver to use his hands and some of his concentration to effectively launch the vehicle. The switch to a pneumatic system would allow for a driver oriented, less complicated control system which includes launch control and would improve problems shifting when near redline. In order to achieve the goals of the project, calculations were done to solve the amount of force needed to move a hydraulic cylinder with a pneumatic one, sketches for mockup of a properly sized pneumatic piston, as well as the actual physical testing of the completed system. After testing, the system was mounted and the electronically controlled shifting system with launch control wired to the actual car. After mounting on the vehicle, the system was tested. The results are that the clutch should actuate every single time that the upshift or down shift buttons are pressed as well as being able to control a launch control system that will enable the drive to better launch the vehicle under hard acceleration. This solution will help the Formula SAE car achieve a better score in acceleration, as well as allowing the driver to focus more on the actual driving the vehicle during the races which in turn will make for faster times and better scores within the competition.
Formula SAE Shifting
CSU 203
The purpose of this project presented within was to research and develop a pneumatically controlled hydraulic clutch for the Formula SAE car. The problem with the shifting mechanism is that it is a hydraulically controlled clutch that requires a driver to use his hands and some of his concentration to effectively launch the vehicle. The switch to a pneumatic system would allow for a driver oriented, less complicated control system which includes launch control and would improve problems shifting when near redline. In order to achieve the goals of the project, calculations were done to solve the amount of force needed to move a hydraulic cylinder with a pneumatic one, sketches for mockup of a properly sized pneumatic piston, as well as the actual physical testing of the completed system. After testing, the system was mounted and the electronically controlled shifting system with launch control wired to the actual car. After mounting on the vehicle, the system was tested. The results are that the clutch should actuate every single time that the upshift or down shift buttons are pressed as well as being able to control a launch control system that will enable the drive to better launch the vehicle under hard acceleration. This solution will help the Formula SAE car achieve a better score in acceleration, as well as allowing the driver to focus more on the actual driving the vehicle during the races which in turn will make for faster times and better scores within the competition.
Recommended Citation
Blomquist, Ethan. "Formula SAE Shifting." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 16, 2013.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2013/oral-session-14/1
