Concept Screening:
Concept Scoring:
The group narrowed down the criteria to these three categories because the materials used was equivalent to the price, the aerodynamics showed how efficient the AEV would travel, and safety is a top priority for any transportation. The reason the safety is weighted less than the materials used and aerodynamics is because it is difficult to tell from a design how safe something is without testing it.
The sample AEV was average when it came to materials used and safety measures which are why the group decided it earned a “3” score, as a base, for those two categories. For aerodynamics the sample AEV earned a “2” score because of its poor design when it comes to energy efficiency. Design 1 earned a 3 score as well for materials used and safety measures. This design included two extra trapezoids but used an “X” shaped bass instead of the T shape, which made up for the extra trapezoids. This design didn’t excel in safety but didn’t have any blatant safety issues. Design 1 had the best aerodynamics, however. The trapezoids increased the lift on the propellers for better aerodynamics which is why it earned a “5” score. Design 2, used less materials than both designs 1 and the sample AEV and had better design for traveling efficiently than the Sample AEV, so it earned a “4” score for materials used and aerodynamics. Design 3 used less materials than the ample AEV, so it earned a “4”, but the design did not have any extra safety measures or aerodynamic parts, so it earned a “3” score for these categories. Finally, Design 4 used few materials and appeared more aerodynamic than the sample AEV, so it earned a “4” for both categories. This design lost a point for its safety though, because it was dimensioned so that the battery and motors are both very close and next to the propellers, which made for several safety hazards. All in all, Design 1 and Design 2 scored the best, each with a score of 3.8. These designs have advanced past the preliminary research and development phase, thus they will continue to be evaluated and adjusted as the designs move into the advanced research and development.