Prototype 1: This design is the reference AEV design. It is also the design Group A used to perform battery testing for the advanced AR&D.
Prototype 2: This design was based off of one of Group A’s team members initial sketch. The idea was to have a small and efficient design utilizing both motors in rear of the AEV. However, another design was picked after the concept scoring and screening.
Prototype 3: This design was an attempt to minimize materials used for the AEV and to be as minimalist as possible. It only utilized one motor, and one rectangular base, which greatly reduced weight and cost. However, after researching motor configuration and recognizing the weight of the magnetic transport, Group A decided against this lightweight design.
Prototype 4 (Final): This design is the culmination of all of the things Group A was trying to achieve. It is lightweight, resource efficient, and maximizes power outputs researched in the advanced R&D. The two big propellers made the AEV travel farther. Having the motors face forward was the best configuration because pulling is more efficient than pushing so the push was used to go down the track and pull to bring the caboose back.