top of page
FORMULA-E
rubber band racing remote control car
Designing, Engineering, Iterating, Racing
Scope
This radio control car is the outcome of a 14 weeks course held at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. Students needs to learn lessons in strategy, product development, science, engineering, design fabrication, branding and event planning. The racing car needed to participate in a drag race, hill climb, and figure-8 against teams from China, Pasadena city college, Hotwheels, and Honda racing.
Hands on Iterating Project
Mechanism Engineering
Performance-oriented
Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy
Mainly powered by a 16 inch rubber band and will be winded up by a driller before the racing. The car was allowed using only two servos, one for steering and the other for disc breaking, which release the rubber band to unwind and create kinetic energy.
Project Iteration
Creating a RC car from scratch is harder than I expected. Several versions were built during this 14 weeks course. In every single iteration, we mainly focus on several goals such as reducing friction, increasing traction, maximum driving distance and make it as lightweight as possible.
Version 1
Belt power transmission
Staking laser cut structures
Plastic water pipe
No braking mechanism
Version 2
Belt transmission with tensioner
3DP joints with plywood
Higher chassis
Disc brake system
Version 3
Metal Chain power transmission
Less 3DP parts
Light weight laser cut structure
Version 4
Nylon Chain power transmission
Carbon Fiber Rod used
Less 3DP parts
Triangle shape structure
Version 5
Four wheels
Bevel gear power transmission
Foam rear wheels
Carbon fiber tube
Gear system with differential
Version 6
Longer carbon fiber tube
Foam front wheels
Replaceable bumper
Final Design
Every main structure was replaced by carbon fiber material to reduce the weight. The power system has a bevel gear with differential inside, providing better performance when rounding the corner. A disc brake mechanism can precise the throttle control. Each front wheel has spring loaded independent suspension to increase the stability.
Fourteen Weeks Team Project
Yojack Shih - Power System Engineering, CAD, Prototype, Animation
Yanhui Ban - Steering System Engineering, CAD, Prototype
Yerim Shin - Research, Logo Design
bottom of page