Figure 1. Concept Screening Matrix
As shown by the group’s scoring, the pulling method requires less power than the pushing method. The fact that the orange function lies below the blue function indicates that the orange function (pulling method) used less power. Moving forward, the pull configuration is preferred and will be used primarily, since it requires less energy usage than the push as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 2. Concept Scoring Matrix
The difference in effectiveness between coasting and active braking was investigated following the motor configuration trials. Active braking was accomplished by reversing the motors, causing the propellers to rotate in the opposite direction. In turn, this opposing rotation caused the AEV to decelerate until it came to a stop. Due to the nature of the Performance Tests, precision was the main priority regarding the overall effectiveness of the braking method. While coasting used significantly less energy, the distance traveled after cutting power to the motors was more inconsistent than the distance traveled after reversing the motors for an active braking effect. For these reasons, the group decided to move forward with reversing the motors as the primary form of braking.