Project Overview
This project involved the end-to-end design, fabrication, and programming of an autonomous vehicle capable of traversing rugged, unpredictable terrain. As the lead mechanical designer, I was tasked with engineering a robust chassis that maintains structural integrity while minimizing mass. The goal was to seamlessly integrate complex mechatronic subsystems into a cohesive, highly functional prototype.
The design process required a deep understanding of dynamic loads and vibrational analysis. We leveraged iterative prototyping and finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure that the suspension and drivetrain could withstand high impact forces without catastrophic failure. This rigorous approach fundamentally changed our perspective on iterative mechanical design, highlighting the intersection between physical constraints and computational capabilities.
Furthermore, the electrical architecture had to be meticulously planned to avoid interference with the mechanical systems. Custom PCB mounts and flexible wiring harnesses were designed directly within the SolidWorks environment to guarantee optimal spatial efficiency and maintain an elegant internal layout.
Key Contributions
- Developed custom SolidWorks mounting hardware tailored to house custom electronics.
- Integrated an Arduino microcontroller to process sensor data and command motor drivers efficiently.
- Led the team to achieve a 1st place award in the culminating engineering design competition against 40+ teams.