The challenge
In a single-seater the steering wheel has to come off for the driver to get in and out, and it has to go back on quickly and securely. The X1 wheel also carries controls, so every time it was removed the wiring had to be disconnected too. We wanted one action that locks the wheel and connects the electrics at the same time.
Requirements
- A positive, secure lock with no play in the wheel
- Fast, one-handed removal and refitting
- An electrical connection that makes itself automatically
- Reliable contact through vibration and repeated use
- Light, compact and tough enough for daily race use
Our approach
We designed the boss around a central multi-pin electrical connector, with a ball-detent locking mechanism and a release collar around the outside. Section views in CAD let us check the locking balls, the connector alignment and the clearances inside the assembly before any parts were machined.
The machined parts were produced through our partner network and assembled in our workshop. The boss mates with the X1's carbon fibre steering wheel, which we designed and made in house.
Results
Gallery
