R/C Baja Car: Suspension and Chassis

Abstract:

A team made up of two students have developed a unique design of a RC Baja Car to optimize functionality and performance. A Baja car is a remote controlled 1/10 scale car that is used for recreation or competition, usually meant for competing in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Baja car competition against various teams. The objective for the project was to create a unique suspension different from previous individual’s projects by creating a two-type suspension. This was completed by having a coil suspension in the front which allows more travel in the suspension of the car and a leaf spring suspension in the rear which helps keep the rear tires in contact with the ground. The inspiration for this suspension came from researching and seeing how various RC cars have performed in the past. To integrate this concept, multiple analyses were conducted to help create the design of the RC car. The angle of the suspension arms and tolerances needed to be precise in order to produce a cohesive functional suspension between the front and rear of the car. Manufacturing machines such as a band saw, end mill, and a drill press were utilized to create the support for the suspension which connects the shocks to the a-arms. With the two-type suspension and allowable adjustments within the design, the RC Baja Car was able to withstand a drop of 1.5 feet. 

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Introduction:

The objective for this project is to compete in the ASME R/C Baja competition by demonstrating the ability to design, manufacture, and preform following the ASME Baja guidelines. This website will display how the chassis and suspension were designed and put together. The chassis supports and holds all the physical parts comprising the RC Baja car. The suspension allows the car to go over bumps and absorb impacts the car will make with the ground. Jason Schindler will be designing the drive train and steering for this project.

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