Steering Wheel

Overview

Vision

Background Information

While MSXI's steering fit the hand well and had plenty of features, some have commented that wheel was a small and overcrowded. The plethora of buttons, and paddels where hard to coordinate while driving and were even a safety hazard at times. 

Goal

Design the structure of the steering wheel and it's interface with the steering column. 

Project Requirements

Rayce Regulations

World Solar Challenge 2017:

• 2.19.1 Steering must be controlled by a steering wheel designed so that it cannot catch on clothing while driving or when the driver exits the solar car. 
• 2.19.2 Failure of any non-mechanical component of the steering system must not prevent effective steering of the solar car. 
• 2.19.3 Steering shafts must be designed so that they will not spear the driver in a crash. A collapsible boss is an acceptable method to reduce steering wheel impacts.

Formula Grand Prix 2017 and American Solar Challenge 2016:

• 7.7.A Steering Wheel: All steering in the vehicle must be controlled by the driver with a steering wheel designed to have a continuous perimeter as outlined in Appendix A:
  Appendix A:
  
• 7.7.B Steering Stops: The steering system must include steering stops to prevent dangerous or damaging steering travel. Steering stops cannot be held in place by friction. They must be welded, pinned or bolted in place, and placed in the steering system in way that will not create loads that will deform or scar the contacting pieces. 
• 7.7.C Turning Radius: Solar cars must be able to make a U-turn in either direction, without backing up, such that any portion of the solar car that is within 200 mm of the ground remain within a 16 m wide lane. Portions of the solar car above 200 mm above ground may exceed the 16 m distance. 
• 7.7.D Steering Backlash: The steering system must be designed with sufficient strength/stiffness and have minimal backlash so that the driver can always maintain good directional control of the vehicle. 

Internal Requirements

These are requirements driven by Midnight Sun. 

• Work with the electrical team to meet wiring requirements for the i/o on the steering wheel (tbd at the time or writing but likely to include horn and turning signals). Pay attention to bend radii and cable diameters when designing any feedthroughs. 
• Make the wheel lightweight, ideally less than 500g. 
• The wheel should be detachable from the steering column but there should be no chance of the wheel accidentally coming loose while driving.

Soft requirements

These criteria would be nice to have but not critical to the project's success: 

• Aesthetically pleasing 

Designs

Come up with at least three designs and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each. Include sketches and screenshots of CAD models where applicable. 

Robert's Steering Wheel

Main Idea: A more "conventional" steering wheel. Following a standard three spoke design for simplicity and comfort. Optimally the main circular section has grooves for better grip (Could not implement that into SolidWorks). 

Front facing buttons can be for turn signals, hazard lights, or cruise control. Wires can be routed through the back.

Wasiq's Steering Wheel

The idea for this was a more interesting/fresh look while still being functional. I tried to be fairly minimalistic. The driver's hands are supposed to rest at the circle cutouts.

The diamond in the centre is the horn (or can be programmed to any function). The four buttons near the 4 sides of the diamond can be for any additional functions (turn signals and what not). There are 3 holes at the back for wires and connections.