Electro-Pneumatic Shifting System
Format
SOECS Senior Project Demonstration
Abstract/Artist Statement
The purpose of the project is to modify the existing mechanical shifting arrangement on the Pacific Motorsports Formula SAE vehicle to an electro-pneumatic system such that the shift sequence is executed in the shortest possible period of time. The system will allow the driver to shift gears by pressing buttons mounted on the vehicle’s steering wheel, and will replace the current mechanical shifting mechanism that utilizes a “push-pull” cable and manually operated clutch. The benefits of our electro-pneumatic system includes providing faster shift times, allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times, and eliminates the possibility of transmission damage due to human error. The electro-pneumatic shifting system design necessitates the use of a circuit that networks a microcontroller, solenoids, sensors, additional circuits, and pneumatic actuators with compressed air being used as the driving fluid. When either button is pressed, the prompt sends a signal to the microcontroller that controls the condition of the solenoids, which indirectly control the actuators. The electro-pneumatic shifting system is an innovative alternative to how formula vehicles are traditionally operated.
Location
School of Engineering and Computer Sciences
Start Date
6-5-2006 2:00 PM
End Date
6-5-2006 3:30 PM
Electro-Pneumatic Shifting System
School of Engineering and Computer Sciences
The purpose of the project is to modify the existing mechanical shifting arrangement on the Pacific Motorsports Formula SAE vehicle to an electro-pneumatic system such that the shift sequence is executed in the shortest possible period of time. The system will allow the driver to shift gears by pressing buttons mounted on the vehicle’s steering wheel, and will replace the current mechanical shifting mechanism that utilizes a “push-pull” cable and manually operated clutch. The benefits of our electro-pneumatic system includes providing faster shift times, allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times, and eliminates the possibility of transmission damage due to human error. The electro-pneumatic shifting system design necessitates the use of a circuit that networks a microcontroller, solenoids, sensors, additional circuits, and pneumatic actuators with compressed air being used as the driving fluid. When either button is pressed, the prompt sends a signal to the microcontroller that controls the condition of the solenoids, which indirectly control the actuators. The electro-pneumatic shifting system is an innovative alternative to how formula vehicles are traditionally operated.