Design of a pneumatically assisted shifting system for Formula SAE® racing applications

Abstract

An improved shifting system for use with the MIT Formula SAE race car was designed in order to provide drivers with a faster and easier means of shifting. The result of this design was a pneumatic shifting system weighing just 3.6 pounds and capable of shifting the car's transmission in 200ms (downshifts are slightly slower because they require the use of the clutch). Shifts are initiated through buttons on the steering wheel and controlled through the car's engine control processor. An ergonomic clutch was also designed in order to help shift more easily and provide more control of the vehicle. This document describes, from beginning to end, the design process involved in creating these systems and provides justification for each decision that was made along the way.