What you are about to read is a foundational document created by me, Noah Hickman, the Longhorn Racing Solar Fergo System Lead for the 2024-2025 competition season. I have chosen to create this document to make a referenceable database for any new and future ergonomics subsystem members. Though I made this documentation purely off my knowledge and research of solar car ergonomics construction, this is a universal document that includes useful information for ergonomics design in general, which means any and every team, LHR Combustion, Electric, Solar, or even teams beyond UT Austin can hopefully utilize this document. I hope for this document to aid in the design, procurement, and manufacture of any and every piece of a competition car's ergonomics design.
This document or rather my experiences and knowledge gained from my time in LHR is not accurately portrayed or represented without acknowledging those who helped me along the way. From Solar’s team captain, to chief engineer and mechanical lead, as well as members and leads of both the Combustion and Electric team, I cannot thank those enough for the impact they have had on my development as an engineer, and therefore the creation of this document and information therein.
Goals of the Ergonomics Subsystem (subject to change):
- Design, test, and manufacture all and every component that the driver touches and uses during normal driving operations
- This includes and is not limited to:
- Pedal box
- Driver Communications system
- Driver harness/seatbelt configuration
- Belly pan
- Driver seat
- Driver cooling
- Steering wheel
- Ballast Box
- This includes and is not limited to:
Ergo Idea dump 
:
- Wet layup carbon fiber molded seat, starts from foam CNCed mold that is then overlayed with carbon fiber, resin, etc.
- Composite, fully 3d printed steering wheel???? ( with 3d printed grips )
- Top-opped pedal box with lightweight materials
Related articles
