instar@lists.berkeley.eduThe rolling go-kart chassis came originally equipped with a single disc-brake on the rear axle. This placement would not accommodate the flywheel and dual-rear motors behind the driver, and was removed. Instead, two new disc-brakes have been installed on two new front hubs, wheels, and tires. Doing this required an adapter to accommodate the brakes that would still maintain the geometry of the steering arms and spindles. The brakes were modeled in order to design the adapter, which was then machined out of steel.
SolidWorks model of the brakes currently on INSTAR’s RP-1
A new brake pedal allowing for regenerative braking is currently in design. INSTAR’s RP-1 will use its motors to slow the vehicle and charge its batteries, while the traditional friction brakes will be applied only when a greater braking force is needed.