Steering Wheel: Specs and Constraints

For my final project I am creating a Street Racing Steering Wheel that will connect to and control an xbox controller. The primary goal of my project is to embody the street racing aesthetic in every aspect. I want the final product to exhibit the sleek, futuristic style that is common within this aesthetic. It should feature a dark background contrasted by vibrant backlighting to fully capture the essence of street racing aesthetic. In addition to the aesthetic, the functionality of my device is very important. The steering wheel adapter should seamlessly integrate with an Xbox controller, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience. It should accurately translate the rotation of the wheel into in-game movements, therefore enhancing gameplay. The third requirement I have for this project is that I achieve a high level of craftsmanship. From the materials used to the precision in assembly, I want a final product that not only looks visually appealing but also feels robust and well-built. 

Image of Current Design Geometry

Patience and attention to detail will be key in ensuring a professional finish and this is why I give myself plenty of time to finish early. I also wanna work closely with the employees at the ITLP and Idea Forge to ensure the manufacturing process goes smoothly. Another requirement I have for my project is that it is somewhat modular. There should be room for me to make changes and add new additions. I plan on adding pedals to control gas and brake so the enclosure needs to have enough room to accommodate new components that interface with the controller. Similarly I also want my device to be easy to set up. Sometimes I will need to use the xbox controller without using my steering wheel. I want the setup of my device to be simple so that it takes less than 3 minutes to set up or remove the controller. It should also not require any tools.

During the construction of this project there are several constraints that I face. One of these constraints is my personal skillset. There are many skills required to complete my project and I am confident in my abilities in CAD design and additive manufacturing. I am less comfortable with the machining and woodworking necessary for completing my project so I will need some help from employees and peers at the ITLP and Idea forge. Another major constraint is time. Balancing design iterations, fabrication, and testing within the allotted time frame will require efficient time management. A large portion of my time will be spent on senior design towards the end of the semester so finding the time to complete this project will be even more important. Portability is also one of my project constraints. This device needs to be stored in my room and it is important to me that it does not take up too much space. I also have to find the right balance that it is sturdy enough not to move during use, but light enough that it is easy to transport. Budget will be another one of my constraints. This constraint is important when I am making material choices. I want the device to match the street racing aesthetic, but I would also like to keep the cost below $50. Part of the inspiration for this device is that I did not want to pay $100-$300 dollars for a device like the one shown below.

$300 Logitech Gaming Racing Wheel with Pedals  [1]

The final constraint on my project is manufacturability. I can come up with some unique and cool design choices to help my project fit the street racing aesthetic. The problem is I need to make sure my design choices are actually manufacturable within my available resources and facilities. Of these constraints I believe time will be the most difficult to deal with. As unforeseen issues arise I will have to adapt and this will most likely push back my timeline. With that being said, I am confident I will be able to finish this project on time with a device that I am proud of.

Citations:

[1] Logitech Driving Force G29 Gaming Racing Wheel With Pedals

     Website: https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/products/driving/driving-force-racing-wheel.html