Steering Wheel 2024-2026
Electrical Components (Buttons)
We will have buttons integrated into the steering wheel. Based on the conversation with controls, we are planning to have these buttons. With all the buttons this year, we will have a cover on the back of the steering wheel to protect the wires that will come out from the back.
Button Placement Proposal:
Steering Wheel (potentially)
Regen enable
Cruise enable
Cruise set (merge with above?)
Cruise increment and decrement
Turn signals (Left and Right)
Push to Talk
Horn Button
Potentially 8 Buttons Total on the Steering Wheel
Architecture
We will be planning to make the next-gen steering wheel around these architectures:
Architectural Selection | Specifics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Carbon Fiber Backing | Carbon Fiber Layups or fiberglass to cover up wires |
|
Forged Carbon Fiber | Forged Carbon Fiber manufacturing method for handles | Mold made of PETG with 75% infill. 0.1mm layer height. Wall count of 5 loops |
Material List:
chopped tow carbon fibre
high-performance IN2 epoxy infusion resin
Filleting wax (not sold in the us)
Other possibilities
Toilet seat wax seal
Pelikan 125 g Nakiplast Moulding Dough
Freeman Manufacturing - Master gap Wax
Preliminary Design Documentation
Assignee: @William Wendling
Design Review: Jan 4, 2025
Design Timeline:
Date | Process |
|---|---|
11/9/24 | Design Requirements Decided |
12/7/24 | First Iteration CAD Finished |
1/18/25 | Begin Prototyping |
2/1/25 | Testing |
2/15/25 | Revised Design |
3/1/25 | Begin Manufacturing Final Design |
3/15/25 | More Testing |
4/26/25 | Finalized Steering Wheel |
Steering Wheel Iteration 2
Design Specifications
11 Inch Diameter
Increased steering torque
6 Buttons
2 Paddle Shifters
Quick Disconnect
Middle Plate
Main structural component
Handles
Surround the edges of the middle plate
Back Cover
Covers and protects internal electronics
Part Specifics
Buttons → Dashboard/Steering Wheel Rationalearchived
4 front buttons
2 back buttons (Paddle Shifters)
Paddle shifters are not used to shift gears but rather act as buttons for other functions
3D Printed
Magnets used to reset position of shifter
Buttons:
Regen Enable
Cruise Set
One Pedal Mode
Turn Signal (3 Position Switch)
Horn
Extra button for interaction we may need later
(turn signal)
Quick Disconnect → https://motionraceworks.com/products/motion-raceworks-sfi-quick-release-hub-5-6-bolt-pattern-15-240-1
Allows easy access to steering wheel
Additional wiring system → https://motionraceworks.com/products/motion-raceworks-mono-cord-pro-steering-wheel-wiring-system?srsltid=AfmBOor4RpdiL7OS3MSM8y3C1K-nepl1LP17P0k6S3ISEpFG3mAhO74U
Wires will disconnect along with main steering wheel
Attached to QD
Wires from steering wheel run through the wiring system and down the steering column
Standoffs connecting QD to Middle Plate
Aluminum standoffs
Connects the empty space between middle plate and furthest point of back cover where QD is
Machined with lathe
Middle Plate
Aluminum Plate
Manufactured through SendCutSend
1/8 inch thickness to reduce weight
4 holes for buttons
Handles
3D Printed with ASA
ASA has high resistance to the hot summer sun
Complex shape so 3D printing is good option
Surround outer and inner edges of middle plate
Ensures driver comfort for long periods of time
Back Cover
Covers internal electronics
Forged Carbon Fiber or Carbon Fiber Layup
3 ply to be light and strong
Part doesn’t need to be super strong because not a structural part
Hole in center for QD
Hole in top-middle for Paddle Shifters
Attached by screws in four corners