Weight reduction of FSAE vehicle using TRIZ principle

Abstract

Weight is a major limitation for the performance of an automobile. Increased weight results in poor acceleration, poor dynamics and reduced efficiency. Weight can be reduced by extensive use of composites which is expensive and requires a complete redesign of the vehicle. This paper aims to provide a systematic analysis by applying TRIZ to reduce the weight of Formula SAE (FSAE) Student Competition Vehicle. TRIZ ideas and analysis tool such as contradiction matrix are applied in order to discover some feasible and elegant solutions for reduction in weight. Study revealed that the problems of high weight are due to the poor design layout of the vehicle, redundancy in function and lack of systems approach. The main factors that lead to increase in weight are solved by applying contradiction matrix, and inventive changes such as dynamization, segmentation, parameter change are recommended. The study resulted 10% weight reduction in the overall weight of the vehicle.