All Projects Project Case Study

Formula SAE Brake-Line Redesign

A redesigned brake-line system for the 2026 vehicle, cutting mass while meeting updated safety and packaging requirements.

Project RecordVehicle Systems
TeamCal Poly Racing
RoleBrakes Systems Lead Design
TimelineSep 2025 – Present
Result−25% Mass
Kristin Der with the Cal Poly Racing Formula SAE vehicle

01Problem

The 2026 Formula SAE vehicle needed a brake-line system that met updated safety requirements while fitting inside tighter packaging constraints than the prior design allowed.

02Requirements / Constraints

  • Satisfy updated safety requirements for the brake-line system.
  • Fit within the vehicle's packaging constraints.
  • Maintain or improve reliability and efficiency versus the previous design.
  • Reduce brake-system mass where possible.

03Concept Development

Concept work started with trade studies comparing routing options against the updated safety requirements and available packaging space, presented to vehicle subteams for feedback before committing to a direction.

04Design

The resulting design is a more robust brake-line layout that satisfies the safety and packaging requirements while working toward a lighter overall system.

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Brake-line routing diagram
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Packaging study
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Brake-system CAD

05CAD / Analysis

Routing was modeled in CAD to verify clearances and packaging fit ahead of design review, supporting the trade studies presented to vehicle subteams.

06Prototyping

Add prototype build photos and notes here once available — e.g. mock-up routing on the chassis, fitment checks, or hardware trial builds.

07Testing

Design reviews and trade studies were presented to vehicle subteams to validate the routing and system-level impacts of the redesign.

08Iteration

Feedback from design reviews shaped the final routing and layout, balancing the safety, packaging, and mass requirements against one another.

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Old vs. new brake-line comparison

09Final Design / Outcome

The redesigned brake-line system satisfies updated safety requirements and vehicle packaging constraints while improving reliability and efficiency.

10Key Results

25% Brake-system mass reduction

Do not add specific dimensions, materials, pressures, or FSAE test results beyond what's documented — expand this section once more data is available to share.

11What I Learned

Add a short technical reflection here — what you'd carry forward about balancing safety, packaging, and mass targets under a competition timeline.