ENGS 89/90 Reports

Year of Graduation

2024

Project Advisor

Peter Robbie

Instructor

Solomon Diamond

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Dartmouth Formula Racing (DFR), a student-run team at Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering, annually designs, builds, and races a custom car in the SAE’s Formula Hybrid Electric competition. The competition demands agility, endurance, and driver changes, necessitating a finely tuned machine with an ergonomic driver interface. DFR identified areas for improvement in their current interface, notably in the steering system, with play and friction issues, and the cockpit, featuring a slow adjustment time and limited pedal range. We addressed these concerns by implementing a new pedal system with an adjustable rail for different-sized drivers and a more compact design with vertical master cylinders. The steering system was enhanced with a custom bracket and optimized geometry, reducing the need for multiple U-joints. Our team shared design information and seat bolster specifications with DFR for future reference and inclusivity standards. These enhancements significantly improved the car’s driver interface, enhancing DFR's competitive readiness. Comprehensive documentation ensures that future DFR engineers and other teams can benefit from our innovations.

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