RC Baja Drivetrain and Steering

The goal of this project is to construct a small remote-control vehicle that is capable of fluid, controlled and precise movement. In order to allow the smooth movement of an RC Car through an obstacle course, the back wheels of the car must be able to receive power and the front wheels must be able to turn. This chassis and suspension that supported these assemblies was designed by project partner Sean Gordon. Design requirements were as follows: Drivetrain and Steering systems must weigh a combined Drivetrain must produce a maximum output speed \u3e=20mph Turning angle of no less than 45 degrees Swapping batteries must take no more than 5 minutes Must use 7.4V 2cell, 2S LiPo R/C or 7.2V 6cell R/C battery Must comply with all ROAR design requirements Must be able to fit within the Chassis The design that was decided upon for the drivetrain was a pair of spur gears connected by shafts and secured by set screws. The mechanism can be divided into two sub-assemblies; the transmission and the differential with 2:1 and 4:1 gear reductions, respectively. The design of the steering system includes two tie rods that are pulled by a motor, allowing for horizontal turning