top of page
Create Your First Project
Start adding your projects to your portfolio. Click on "Manage Projects" to get started
FSAE Dashboard
I designed a dashboard with mounting locations for buttons, dials, and a 5" OLED screen.
Final CAD model
Designing a snap-in fit
I started with the lines of the tube frame chassis. The team noticed that our drivers had trouble getting in and out of the car because of the vertical height of the front roll hoop, where the steering wheel mounts. It was clear that I'd have to somehow recess the dashboard into the frame to maximize space for a driver getting in or out.
The steering wheel was also angled up slightly, like bus steering wheel, but only by a few degrees. Getting an accurate measurement of this angle was step one. With a magnetic digital angle finder, and double checking my work with some flats and a protractor, I was comfortable with the degree of accuracy I was getting.
I got into SolidWorks and used a few reference planes to define this angle. I made a long swept indent in the model to fit the 1" tube frame.
The steering wheel was also angled up slightly, like bus steering wheel, but only by a few degrees. Getting an accurate measurement of this angle was step one. With a magnetic digital angle finder, and double checking my work with some flats and a protractor, I was comfortable with the degree of accuracy I was getting.
I got into SolidWorks and used a few reference planes to define this angle. I made a long swept indent in the model to fit the 1" tube frame.
Printing in PETG
I went to the big prusa and made some print attempts. With some tweaks I got it to print well in PETG. The result was a form-fitted dashboard that was flexible enough to clip right into the 1" tubing.
Nearly completed print
Installing the display
I also printed a flexible bracket that my electrical guy could bolt his board stackup (Pi, CAN shield, OLED screen) onto that could then be installed from the rear of the dash for a flush fit.
CAD model of the display
I experimented with different gasket materials to waterproof the screen and landed on a compressible poly material.
Final install
My estimation of the steering bracket angle turned out to be a good one, and everything fit like it should.
Final install
Giving the Pi power was the last step.
bottom of page