This project for Engs 146: Computer Aided Machining and Design gave our team the opportunity to use our skills on a large scale project that incorporated a variety of complex mechanisms. The vehicle had strict requirements on size, weight, cost, and movement capabilities. The vehicle needed to be able to rotate 360 degrees in place and travel any direction with the rider in a fixed orientation.

The entire project was designed in Solidworks, with various small scale tests being performed to validate sub-components. We constructed a lightweight composite chassis using insulation foam and CNC machined plywood sheet, which weighed only 2.5 lbs and easily held our 200 lb riders despite the fairly large span.

Our vehicle also featured a very unique drivetrain with wheels that could counter rotate (one wheel forward, one wheel backward, front wheel oriented sideways) to allow for 360 degree rotation in place. The drivetrain featured a chain driven center pulley, and two belt systems (with clutches) for independent wheel coupling.

Our team designed the entire system from scratch, performed the 3D modeling and analysis, ordered the components, made manufacturing drawings, machined all the parts, assembled and tested, and then raced the vehicle! Our team received the award for “Most Innovative Design” and completed all the challenges successfully.