Collaboration
Yiqing Li —- AEV design, major coding & programming, documentation.
Emma Jonas —- AEV design, research, major documentation.
Chase Lambert —- AEV design. AEV operation, documentation.
Joe Verdone —- Major coding & programming, documentation
Approach & Priorities
The goal of our team is for the AEV to successfully complete all performance tests with minimal errors and utilizing the least amount of time, while ensuring the AEV system is safe, efficient, and affordable. To achieve our goal, the group participated in developing research on motor configuration, battery usage, and track variances. The group will modify the design by applying the knowledge we acquire through the research, in order to maximize the AEV’s efficiency.
Our priorities are efficiency and safety. In order to enhance efficiency, the group tested both the pusher and puller configurations. The group observed that the AEV using the pusher configuration would travel longer distances compared to the pulling configuration, while both utilizing the same power input. The group also completed research on track variance to decrease the budget. The group focused on the section during which the AEV connected with the caboose, and traveled back from the loading zone to the gate sensor. Two sets of codes with 35 percent and 40 percent, respectively, of power supply were developed for testing. The group concluded 35 percent was a more reasonable choice since it was more consistent. To maintain safety, the group focused on stabilizing the AEV on the track. This consisted of creating equilibrium by moving the battery and Arduino forward on the chassis.
To achieve our goals and priorities, the group designed a pusher configuration, 35 percent power input, and component rearranged AEV.