...October 2017 was a full month for us. It included planning events, manufacturing, and writing reports. We had two large events starting with the Ingenium Conference at the Convention. It was great to have all five UMSAE teams show up. We were able to show off our progress on the vehicle to Professional Engineers in the industry. Our second event was the Evening of Excellence. We presented to high school students, showing them what we do as a team.
This month, most of the systems have been focusing on getting parts manufactured and writing design reports for each new part.
The accumulator system finished procuring the square steel angle bracket and jigs to complete the Energy Storage Container Frame. They had their remaining busbars water-jetted by Shape Industries which will allow them to finish manufacturing their busbars and to ultimately complete the high current path.
Breaks and uprights is well into the manufacturing phase. Detailed drawings for the hubs and uprights were made in order for the manufacturers to accurately make the part. The method of mounting the wheel speed sensors has also been finalized.
The circuitry system completed a successful full system bench test. This test used the completed Vehicle Control Unit and HV PCB along with most of the Accumulator Control Unit to operate the motor controller and turn the motor. The circuitry system is now working on revising the Low Voltage Power PCB and finalizing enclosures and wire harnesses.
Software worked alongside the circuity system to compete a proper start up routine during an electrical system bench test. This enabled the throttle encoder to control the motor.
The frame has been completely fitted and welded and is now awaiting suspension components for a full rolling chassis. The team is now starting to source fiberglass and machining resources to begin manufacturing body panels.
In terms of suspension, the A-Arms are almost fully welded. The team just needs to add the tabs. The tires have been selected. Both slick and wet tires will be purchased. The tires will have 10’ diameter rims.
The powertrain team has been receiving their parts from manufacturers and is working on the Design Report. One of the major parts they got this month was the motor shaft, thanks to the Cahrd Institute.
Driver Interface manufactured the pedals, pedal box, dashboard, firewall and the various tabs this month. Currently they are waiting on a fibreglass shipment in order to start on the seat, steering wheel, and headrest.
We hope to have just as productive a month in November. It has been exciting seeing the vehicle coming together. We hope to complete on time, according to schedule.