Beau C. Landis
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Steering Design 

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Along with the redesign of the front suspension, there was a redesign of the steering system.

​ The first iteration of rack-and-pinion steering was found to require too much effort, and even seized at one of the competitions. To reduce effort within the system, the need for u-joints was eliminated, a custom housing was designed, and a sturdier support system was implemented. 

Changes Made:
  • Decrease steering effort
  • Eliminate need for U-joints
  • Creation of sturdier support system
  • Custom housing for rack and pinion designed and manufactured
Process:
  • Conducted ergonomics study of drivers for steering wheel position using Solidworks and physical mock-ups
  • Modeled and fabricated rack housing that spans foot box
  • Performed FEA to determine deflection of supports under loading
Outcome:
  • System uses single tube column
  • Reduced steering effort 
  • Sturdier system with less risk of failure 
Problems Overcome:
  • Rack housing heavier than off the shelf system, redesigned with steps reducing weight by over half a pound
  • Steering effort greater than expected due to bore linearity and friction from wiper seals, modified wiper seals to reduce drag and redesigned rack extensions to reduce internal pressure


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  • Home
  • About
  • Portfolio
    • Work Experience
    • Baja >
      • Suspension Design
      • Steering Design
      • Miscellaneous and Machining
    • Capstone
    • Co-op
    • Hobbies
    • Art
    • T Shirts
    • Jaguar
  • Contact