Traction Control Device MIE 213 Soph. Design

The challenge for this project was to design and prototype a device for deploying a traction agent from a moving vehicle. Our solution automatically deployed sand in front of vehicle tires through the use of an auger mechanism. The device could be easily reconfigured to be mounted beneath the vehicle siderails, or under the a vehicle bumper depending on application (as illustrated in the above renderings).

As stipulated by project specifications, automation was constrained to mechanical solutions (i.e. no electronics).

In our design, the augers (driven by electric motor) were automaticly controled through an inertial pendulum mechanism.

The device was engaged when the red mass (in the above image) tripped micro switches during vehicle acceleration (due to braking, or cornering).

Close up of motor housing and inertial switches

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