TEAM AEV SKETCH
Below is the team’s AEV sketch of the final design, to date:
This design is primarily derived from team member, Noel Mulcahy’s, design. This design has been tested in specific areas (refer to aR&D Research) to further develop the blueprint to ensure the most efficient vehicle is ultimately produced.
CONCEPT SCREENING AND SCORING
Figure 1: Concept Screening Matrix
Figure 2: Concept Scoring Matrix
The concept screening and concept scoring spreadsheets evaluate how each team member’s design met specific criteria that the team noted important in the final design of the AEV. Group N decided to focus on stability and center of mass, critical measurements when determining whether the AEV will be successful in safely navigating the route. The team also emphasized the importance of weight, to prevent the overuse of materials, which could ultimately decrease the system’s efficiency. Efficiency and cost were the most important factors, with weights of 25% when completing concept scoring, because the project cannot be completed if it is out of the budget and cannot complete the task at hand.
INDIVIDUAL TEAM MEMBER DESIGNS:
Jenna Levi’s Design
- This idea would be successful with the propellors on either side of the body because one would work in the forward direction with the other in reverse to move itself forward. The direction of both propellors could be easily switched, and with one on either side, the weight of the structure would be spread out evenly. Having the small wings at all 4 corners of the design also balances out the weight to reduce the effect of the support beam/wheels from weighing too far to one side since it is not symmetric.
Nikhil Singh’s Design
- The basic shape of this design is flat on the front and middle part of the base and then slanted upward in the back where the two propellors would go; one on each side. The reason the board is slanted is because then it moves the propellors more towards the center of gravity. Also, the slanted part of the board is thinner than the flat part, this makes it so that less wind gets blocked. The placement of the beam and wheels is the best spot for balance. Being lightweight is the biggest pro for this design.
Ally Miller’s Design
- This design would be good in ensuring that the vehicle is aerodynamic, however, the body would be too expensive to actually implement into our project. This design would be successful due to the center of mass falling in the center of the AEV, optimizing the weight distribution over the AEV. This design only features propellers on one side of the vehicle which, the team later decided would not be as successful as putting propellers on both ends of the vehicle.
Noel Mulcahy’s Design
- The construction of this design is focused on a push-pull configuration. Inspired by a twin-prop single engine airplane, the props will counter spin. This will avoid one motor not being able to push air that is already moving. The body is as slim and centered as possible with two aerodynamic shields located by both props. The cart will stop by using a servo arm that will brush against the wheels.
