Snowmobile Traction Control

To implement a launch control (LC)/ traction control (TC) system on the 2016 Idaho Clean Snowmobile Team competition platform, modulated via an Electronic Throttle Control System (ETC).

=ETC= An electronic throttle control system (ETC) on the competition platform developed by Idaho CSC was used as the basis for our design work. An ETC system is used on the competition platform to gain a greater level of control over input to the engine and to implement other control systems.

Previous Work
The snowmobile has an ETC system built by a previous design team. The system worked at the last competition, but it has room for improvement. Our design process started with some conceptualization of control methods and learning about the embedded controller currently being used in their ETC system. We then characterized the current ETC system. Our next design phase will include selection of a mechanical actuator and controller, along with other data collection devices/methods. This will allow us to complete the ETC portion of the design and move on to the TCS system.

Current Work
The focus of work in this next iteration of the ETC has been on improving the response time of the system. Our main goal was to reduce response time by 50%. After selecting a new servo, refinement of coding, and redesign of the power electronics, we were able to realize a 60% reduction in throttle response time.

=Launch Control=

Purpose
In order to increase the average acceleration of the competition platform over a low traction surface.

Implementation
=Traction Control=