Interchangeable Sprockets and Adapter

Designed a topologically optimized sprocket adapter and set of sprockets for UWFE's driveline subsystem

What?

  • Our current custom limited slip differential design forces sprockets to be swapped with a complete disassembly due to a smaller bolt pattern

  • New sprockets and an adapter are required to change the final drive ratio easily without having to take apart the differential

How?

  • Designed an adapter incorporating bolt shear calculations, topology optimization, and Ansys structural simulations

  • Engineered a set of sprockets (36T, 38T, and 40T) with SolidWorks and Ansys to be compatible with the adapter

  • Verified sprockets and adapters with additional Ansys static structural simulations with worst-case loading

Results

  • Final drive ratios can be altered during testing sessions, providing data to determine which sprocket combination is best for acceleration, endurance, or autocross

  • Reduced baseline sprocket weight from 300-500g to below 200g

  • Achieved a FOS greater than 2 for both equivalent stress and fatigue life, similar to 2025 vehicle components

  • Reinforced SolidWorks modeling and Ansys simulation skills

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