Evolution of AEV Designs:
Luke:
This design was made to minimize the weight of the AEV. The smallest possible pieces were used, making the base plate and the “wings” smaller and lighter. The center-mounted wheel frame was also used to improve balance and stability. Screw mounts were used for multiple components, where possible, to decrease the cost. All of these things will lead to a faster, more efficient, and ultimately more successful AEV.
Estimated Weight: 1.3 lbs
Estimated Cost: $185
- Arduino: $100
- Electric Motors: $19.98
- Servo Motor: $5.95
- Count Sensor: $4.00
- Count Sensor Connector: $4.00
- 2 1.5×3 rectangles: $2.00
- Motor Clamps: $1.18
- L-Shape Arm: $3.00
- Wheels: $15.00
- Large Wheel Nut and Bolt: $4.00
- Battery Supports: $2.00
- Battery Risers: $4.00
- Propellers: $0.90
- Screw Driver: $2.00
- 1/4 Wrench: $2.00
- Angle brackets: $5.00
Pros: lighter weight and more balanced than the prototype AEV
Cons: air resistance is higher than most designs
Will be used in design cycle: Yes
Albert:
Albert’s design features a pyramid shaped wind shield to make the AEV more aerodynamic and fans were placed in the middle. The main motivation for this idea was because the AEV was shaped like a block that would resist wind. With the shield, the air would be cut through and the AEV would have less resistance. With less resistance, the AEV would consume less power and would travel faster with a coded scenario.
Estimated Weight: 1.5 lbs
Estimated Cost: $182.91
- Arduino: $100
- Electric Motors: $19.98
- Servo Motor: $5.95
- Count Sensor: $4.00
- Count Sensor Connector: $4.00
- 2×6 Rectangle: $4.00
- Motor Clamps: $1.18
- L-Shape Arm: $3.00
- Wheels: $15.00
- Large Wheel Nut and Bolt: $4.00
- Battery Supports: $2.00
- Battery Risers: $4.00
- Propellers: $1.80
- Screw Driver: $2.00
- 1/4 Wrench: $2.00
- Wind Shield: $10.00
Pros: Albert’s concept of the AEV would be aerodynamic, energy efficient, and would travel higher speeds.
Cons: If the AEV went the opposite direction, the wind shield would drastically slow the AEV down and would consume more power. Also, there isn’t an exact estimate for how much the part would cost to produce.
Will be used in the design cycle: Yes
Cielo:
Cielo’s design featured a slightly smaller, more aerodynamic version on the original AEV. No major changes were made to the AEV. The block that all the components sit on was changed to a trapezoid to make the overall design more aerodynamic, allowing the AEV to cut through the air. The piece was also made smaller, to reduce the weight of the AEV, to reduce power requirement of the motor.
Estimated Cost: $175.01
- Arduino: $100
- Electric Motors: $19.98
- Servo Motor: $5.95
- Count Sensor: $4.00
- Count Sensor Connector: $4.00
- 2 1.5×3 rectangles: $2.00
- Motor Clamps: $1.18
- L-Shape Arm: $3.00
- Wheels: $15.00
- Large Wheel Nut and Bolt: $4.00
- Battery Supports: $2.00
- Battery Risers: $4.00
- Propellers: $0.90
- Screw Driver: $2.00
- 1/4 Wrench: $2.00
- Angle brackets: $5.00
Pros:
- More Aerodynamic design
- Slightly lighter and smaller
Cons:
- Features a similar design to the original AEV
- Weight distribution may be a problem
Will be used in the design cycle: No
Tate:
Tate’s design featured an AEV that hung vertically from the tracks. The idea behind the sketch was that with the AEV hanging vertically, it would be more aerodynamic. There would be less parts handing as far out on the sides as in previous designs. This would allow it to use less power and be faster.
Estimated Weight: 1.75lbs
Estimated Cost: $170.91
Pros:
- Relatively simple design to build
- Seems to be aerodynamic
Cons:
- Balance and stability may be an issue
- the pieces are bigger and heavier than the group would like
Will be used in design cycle: No
Design for aR&D
Estimated weight: 1.5lbs
Estimated cost: $182.91
AEV Final Design Features the AEV pushing the caboose and the large propellers. After aR&D 2 it was determined that pushing the caboose would be more cost and time efficient.
Estimated Weight: 154.22 g
Estimated Cost: $167,035
- Arduino: $100,000
- Electric Motors: $19,800
- Count Sensor: $4,000
- Count Sensor Connector: $4000
- 2.5 x 7.5 Rectangle: $2000
- Motor Clamps: $1,180
- L-Shape Arm: $3,000
- Wheels: $7,500
- Battery Supports: $2,000
- Propellers: $900
- Screw Driver: $2,000
- 1/4 Wrench: $2,000
- #55 A Slotted Stri, 2”: 5,040
Pros: The most efficient and fastest AEV and lightweight
Cons: The total overall cost exceeded $500,000, but achieving anything below was attempted