Transponder Mount
Designed and iteratively prototyped an FSAE-compliant transponder mount for the '26 UWFE vehicle.
CAD
DFM
3D Printing
What?
Every car requires a transponder for lap timing under FSAE competition rules
The rule book requires the transponder to be fixed in all 6 DOF, perfectly vertical, and mounted in a specific location
Last year's design had unnecessary material, adding excess weight
How?
I experimented with both a two-part bolted design and a single-part zip tie design, before settling on the single part since the mount wouldn't be under significant load making bolts unnecessary. This also saved weight and made it quick to reinstall in the case of part failure at competition
Refined the geometry across 4 iterations, cutting off excess weight each time and adding grooves for better zip-tie retention
Leveraged chassis tube geometry to constrain 3 DOF, and used zip ties to restrict the remaining 3 DOF
Results?
Achieved full FSAE rules compliance for transponder positioning and orientation, passing technical inspection at competition
Reduced mass by 34% over last year's design by eliminating unnecessary material
