Autonomous technology is becoming a safe and convenient method of transportation. Our project goal was to design and create a fully 3D printed vehicle fit for an autonomous driving software package to aid in the delivery of consumer payloads. We began this project by test driving and dissecting RC cars from previous student projects to identify areas for improvement. From these tests, we evaluated subassemblies that were composed of outsourced materials, such as the gearbox, differentials, and wheels, and designed 3D printable adaptations. Furthermore, we designed, printed, and validated various snap and slide fits to reduce the fasteners used. The 30% reduction in outsourced parts and fasteners alleviated assembly issues and improved the modularity of the vehicle. After assembly of the vehicle, we tested drive quality and individual subassembly performance. Finally, through the evaluation of printed subassemblies, we identified challenges with our 3D printing methods and made recommendations for future teams.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Amado, Ben
• Calcasola, Joseph
• Maloney, Matthew
• Sakyi, Kwesi

Subject

• Infrastructure
• Innovation
• Industry
• Computing
• Learning
• Project-Based Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 67431
• E-project-050222-225821

Keyword

• Autonomous Vehicle
• RC Car
• 3D Printing
• Differential
• Transfer Case
• Gearbox

Advisor

• Pahlavan, Kaveh
• Radhakrishnan, Pradeep

Year

• 2022

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 4 - Quality Education
• 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Date created

• 2022-05-02

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright