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Problem Breakdown

Background

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Headlights are one of the requirements listed by the American Solar Challenge (however not required for the World Solar Challenge). For MS XIV, the headlight unit will contain two types of lights: Daytime Running Lights (DRL’s) and Front Turn IndicatorsMS XIV features 2 large electronic enclosures (the battery box and the rear enclosure) that are mounted on-top of the catamaran within the interior space. Interiors is tasked with designing a cover/multiple covers that will protects the occupants from contact with these electrical components.

Major consideration must be made for egress testing, where the occupants on one side of the car must climb over the catamaran (and the aforementioned electronics) to exit out of the opposite side the car.

Needs Statement

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i.e A need exists for a headlight unit that meets the DRL (Daytime Running Lights) and front turn signal regulations (ASC) while maintaining good vehicle aerodynamics, minimal energy consumption, and is aesthetically pleasingcover that will protect occupants from contact with the battery box and rear enclosure.

Major Goals

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  1. Have complete and functional headlight unitCover protects occupants from enclosed electronic components

  2. Meets lighting all regulations (ASC and WSC)requirements

  3. Mechanically and electrically reliable & robust

  4. Minimally disruptive to vehicle aerodynamics

  5. Minimal power consumptionMinimizes any hazards present to occupants (i.e sharp edges)

  6. Aesthetically pleasing

Requirements/Regulations

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Battery Cover Requirements

  1. Material

    1. Non-conductive on the inside (not carbon fiber)

    2. Possibility of adding some some of ceramic fiber / ceramic blanket / ceramic paper to the inside to contain heat in the event of thermal runaway

  2. Strength

  3. Access Cover

    1. Need to be able to service the battery modules

      1. Entire area above the modules must be open when the access cover is open

      2. The modules will be installed by lowering them vertically into their slots

Rear Electronics Cover Requirements

  1. Material

    1. Non-conductive on the inside (not carbon fiber)

  2. Strength

    1. We will be climbing over it during egress

    2. There will be 2 supports inside, running along the length of the catamaran

      1. View of the CAD as of May 21 2020 here: Rear Electronics Enclosure Proposed Layout

      2. TBD if these will be structural, currently their only purpose is to separate HV/LV (High Voltage and Low Voltage) sections inside the rear electronics enclosure

  3. Access Cover

    1. Power Supply Input

    2. AUX Battery input

    3. USB Ports for phone charging

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