Formula Steering Wheel

19/03/2024

Design of a formula type steering wheel, light, robust and comfortable. Constructed with parts generally made of carbon fibre and aluminium, designed for use in Formula Student type vehicles, with an overall dimension of 265 mm wide.

The design differs from its predecessor in several respects (MA22RT steering wheel). The new design is 5mm longer in grip distance. The grips have been changed to flexible rubber material to give a better feel. In addition, these will be wrapped with paddle grip tape. The rear shift levers are of the lever type and are magnet operated. The thumb grip position has been lowered by 30mm from the shaft. This improves the positioning of the hands in relation to the axis of rotation. The end result is a considerable reduction in weight.

The steering wheel is made of a composite structure at the base. It consists of two sheets of carbon fibre reinforced with epoxy resin bonded at the ends to a foam core. This structure results in a plate that is highly resistant to bending and torsional stresses and at the same time is light in weight.

The rear section incorporates a quick release mechanism (QR) to the steering column, a system that allows the driver to quickly exit the cockpit removing the wheel. The plate and QR are connected by three M5 bolts and separated by aluminium spacers. The steering wheel and QR are directly connected and do not interfere with the rear housing that contains the electronics.

The steering wheel has 6 buttons and 2 rotary switches with 10 multiconfigurable positions, as well as two rear levers with shift switches.

The rear levers are short travel and low profile. Making them more comfortable to use. In addition, the design allows different types and sizes of levers to be changed according to the rider's needs.

At the rear, it incorporates a round 8-pin screw-on electrical connector for 12v power supply and communication with the car.