Design and Manufacturing of Multipurpose Steering Wheel

Abstract

This paper approaches the design, modeling, and manufacturing process of the multipurpose steering wheel for a formula-style race car. The Multipurpose steering wheel is a device for lateral control of the formula student and also for changing the formula’s parameters. Steering wheel’s parts are designed with an aim to comfort, usefulness, manufacturability, and cost of prototype. Subsequently, the main body modular mold design and manufacturing process is presented, taken into the account the technology of production and material with suitable attributes selection. For the steering wheel, it is utilized the technology of pre-impregnated carbon fiber fabric reinforced polymer (CFRP) cured in an autoclave. Design of layers of composite material is described in the detail, followed by the material’s bend test. Custom internal parts made by 3D printing technology with a purpose of mounting electrical components and mechanical control components are demonstrated. The final product is part of formula student electric racing car SGT-FE18.