Progress report lab 04

Backwards looking summary:

Lab 04 was the System Analysis Design and Design Analysis Tool lab. This lab was filled with frustrating hardware issues. This lab utilized a new device that would translate the mechanical data from the AEV to MATLAB. The group then used a function in MATLAB to show the time voltage and distance traveled, among other variables. For our initial runs, the distance was improperly recorded. At the start, distance was double counted, so we adjusted the required marks to be double what was needed. Unfortunately, the next run distance was triple counted, and continued to be counted erratically.  We determined the inaccurate counting of distance to be a sensor problem. Our TAs and GTA could not discover the issue either so they went to the resident expert Stuart to check for hardware issues. They didn’t find Stuart, so we shelved the sensor problems for later.

We also stumbled with using the Data Collection, when we forgot to properly record and store data. Without the data, the group could not create graphs or programs to display the necessary information. A large portion of lab was spent discovering this exact problem. Once found, the group was easily able to view and interpret the required data.

In the upcoming week, we will accomplish the lessons of decision making using the screening method. The concept screening method allows us to distinguish different results from different designs and compare them. From this screening, we can decide what we like from one design and tweak our current design to make it better. This will be particularly useful in later performance test when we will begin to have multiple chances to change the design of the AEV in a given lab period.

There are two types of methods of scoring. One is with a triple symbol and the other is a weighted grade. The second gives one a better overall look as well as measure the things that are important to the group. For example, in the future, we may think the center of mass takes precedent over durability. In the lab this week, we will complete a straight track program that will accelerate the AEV and then reverse the AEV and finally stop. This will then be saved as a CSS1 and criteria will be determined and shown in the score and the concept screening. Therefore, out goals for the week are as follows. Number one, complete the lab with all the data we need and nothing forgotten, with that, we should get our priorities in the concept scoring straight as well as successfully running data through the program/application.