Projeto e fabricação de um sistema de direção com pinhão e cremalheira para um kart

Abstract

A kart is a small and simple racing vehicle which is currently not only used for fun, but also a gateway to professional careers in the world of motorsports. To be successful in this area, drivers must have technical skills, strategy, physical preparation and, above all, a reliable and high-performance vehicle. Many features of the first karts created are still used today, since the goal is to maintain the simplicity and low cost of the vehicle. One of these features is the steering system, which is composed only of links and ball joints which transmit the movement of the steering wheel to the wheels. However, one of the biggest advantages in a competition is the driver’s ability to control the steering and a robust and precise steering system. Regarding this point, it is possible to identify opportunities for improvement in conventional steering. In this paper, the main opportunities listed will be optimized by implementing a steering system that uses a rack and pinion mechanism, with the aim of designing a more reliable steering system with greater cornering capacity and then experimentally comparing the performance of both systems. The project will be developed based on initial data from real vehicles as requirements to develop the new system, followed by calculations and virtual modeling of the components, acquisition and manufacturing of all the necessary parts, assembly of the systems and finally the experimental tests and validations of this paper objectives.