Steering Mechanism Sketch

This is a sketch of the steering mechanism for the bogie mechanism. The design of the steering mechanism is simplified and more compact compared to last year's model and consists of two arms that have a guiding wheel attached to each of them. The arm is a link mechanism that is able to move 90 degrees to allow the rotatable guide wheel to engage against the third rail. The purpose of having the third rail is for one of the guide wheels to readjust to it to determine what direction the podcar will travel. Furthermore, there are two more wheels that are attached to the enclosed track which simply roll at the inside of the track to propel the podcar and provide stability. At both sides of the track, ball bearings are engaged against the top and bottom of the track to reduce friction and provide smoother travel.