Post 9: Go ahead and Brake

 It's March, and Project REV's construction is just about right on time!

Before the break, our students are working to add the next major component to the build.... BRAKES!

We were able to attain two disc brake calipers from our community partner Spokes N Slopes, and with them, the REV team was able to cut and design new mounting brackets to get the calipers on the spindles.

First, we measured the distance between the calipers and the spindles, then designed and 3D printed a prototype bracket to see if the hardware would hold in the appropriate place.

After relocating the front wheels and spindles to a portable cart, students were able to more easily install the custom brackets and weld them into place, readying them for the caliper assemblies.

                                        

While the students test fit the calipers to their new brackets, other members of the REV team worked on installing a set of bronze bushings in the front axle, to tighten up the play in the front wheels. We noticed that the front wheels do camber in a little under weight, so the bushings will help the minimize the camber and make the ride more stable.

Once the brake calipers were on, the grade 10 students tested the brake force operation and found it to be reasonable when unloaded. The real test will be when the two front brakes are installed and a brake lever attached to operate them. For now, the front wheels were reattached to the car, and brake cables installed in a temporary jig, to try its operation...

And since our team is eager, we had two grade 10s install the electric motor on the rear axle on a large wooden mount so when we return from March Break, we can test and examine the propulsion system and work out any kinks that are sure to creep up.

And with our cool machine taking even more form and putting smiles on our faces, the REV Team wishes everyone a safe and happy March Break!

Tune in soon, to see post number 10, and check out our next stages of the build!

Post 8: Have a Seat

 It's February, and our REV Team is continuing the build but this week, we focus on many aspects of the command chair. 

Various students worked together to complete several aspects of the chair, as it required various different types of construction rolled into one.

After last week's assembly of the cushions and layout of the armrest framework by our grade 12 Construction and Transportation students, the grade 10 and 11 students involved in Car Club took part in building and installing special decorative buttons into the seat back, mimicking the old fashioned upholstery of the 20th century. By using special needles and high strength string, the buttons were spaced apart evenly, and recessed into the material giving our chair depth and a comfortable look.

With the buttons installed, the next step was to enclose the rear and sides of the bench seat with more carpeting, but not before giving our bench a unique signature...

 Our team elected to design and create a raised acronym for the rear of the seat back. We printed and cut the letters R E V (for Reding Electric Vehicle) and glued them into place on the seat back. 

Once dried, our grade 10s test fitted the steel armrest, then removed it to complete the carpet installation and the seat looks great!

With the seat nearly complete, members of the REV Team installed the steel arm rest and trimmed any remaining carpet from the seat to give it an old school yet functional look. It's enjoyable showing students how to create antique style furniture and machinery!

As this week comes to an end, a few students are tasked with new challenges as new parts arrive, to give the REV that discerning Quadricycle look, including a lamp and bell:

Not only will our Tech Design students create a housing for the light and mount for the bell, but soon it will be time for the Engineering students to design a radar warning assist system for the driver, which can activate the brakes in case of a collision. We are getting some basic electronic parts together for design and programming...

Tune in soon, for post 9, when we refine the front axle and handle the braking system on the REV!

See you back soon!