Blue Sky Solar Aero-body Latching

Background

The Solar Vehicle comprises of two main bodies, the first being the lower aerobody, the second being the upper aerobody. The main reason for having the two separate bodies is to do with the upper housing the solar panels, while also opening up to the internals of the car to give us access to all the mechanical, electromechanical, and electrical components required to drive the vehicle. As the upper aerobody is required to be a separate piece there must be a way to ensure that while in motion it is kept rigidly in place as to not affect the aerodynamics of the car while in motion, and to ensure the safety of the driver. 

Design Explanation

As seen in the figures below, a modular spool in combination with connection points throughout the lower and upper body will allow the cable, routed throughout the vehicle, to be tensioned. This will evenly distribute the tensioning force across the carbon fiber upper aerobody, and provide additional security by having several attachment points. 

Design Operation

• • The spool is positively latched and is held in place via teeth in the shaft of the spool. To allow for rotational motion the drive is required to input two motions: 

    • 1. To raise the handle allowing the teeth to unmesh

    • 2. Rotate the handle in the counterclockwise direction to reduce the tension in the cable. 

Design Installation

The modular spool will be attached to the chassis of the vehicle, within arms reach of the driver to allow for easy operability. 

The hollow cylindrical channels will be embedded in the stiffeners in the bottom aerobody. 

The hoop channels will be attached to the underside of the top aerobody. 

The cable will be routed from the spool in both directions, alternating between the hoops and the channels.