Summary
During the third week of the AEV project, the team drafted sketches of possible AEV designs. The purpose of this lab was to learn techniques for creative design thinking, become familiar with obstacles that can inhibit creativity, learn more about the basic AEV parts and to learn how to sketch orthogonal drawings, and to brainstorm basic AEV concept sketches.
During the first ten minutes of the lab, each team member independently brainstormed and created a possible design using an orthogonal view for the AEV. The last twenty minutes of the lab were spent with the group collectively discussing ideas and figuring out which design would allow the AEV to complete the task with the most efficiency. There were many design considerations that had to be taken in account.
Results and Analysis
Individually, several AEV concept sketches were created by every member of the group. Important features and design aspects are described below. All images referenced are in Appendix A. In all of the designs created, 3D printing would be use in some aspect to create a lightweight and precise shape in order to make the shapes more aerodynamic. More details about the specific designs are provided below.
In Figure 1, the concept sketch by Connor Higgins, there are several important design features. The first is the low profile and curved shell. This allows for storage of components neatly inside the shell and aerodynamic movement as the AEV travels, reducing the energy lost to air resistance. The next main feature is the servo motor and propeller arms on the underside of the AEV. Due to the shape of the propeller blades, they are more efficient in one direction, the arms and servo motor allows the propellers to switch sides when the AEV changes direction, making sure the most efficient orientation always utilized. However, the stability of this arm would need to be reinforced.
Figure 2 was draw by Amanda Killian. The important features of this design include an aerodynamic front and profile with a sturdy positioning of the propellers. Another benefit is that the design follows the thematic nature of the Mission Concept Review, because the design resembles a spaceship one would potentially see in Star Wars. The downside to this design is that the propellers are in a fixed position and vehicle is not as aerodynamic when travelling in the direction of the back end.
The design shown in Figure 3 was drawn by Alador Sisay. The important design features of this concept sketch are the shape and size. The front of the design is slanted and aerodynamic while the back end is only fins providing miniscule amounts of air resistance. The shape is also aesthetically pleasing. However, the drawbacks of this design is that the shape makes it blocky and resistant to motion in the backwards direction. The design is also larger than the others which could cause an increase in the weight of the AEV, affecting energy efficiency.
The last individual concept sketch is shown in Figure 4 and is by Kristin Crowell. The sketch is slightly different from the others but maintains the same principles. The shape is aerodynamic and resembles a space shuttle. The propellers are fixed in their position, and the shape is a large profile which could prove to add more weight to the AEV on the whole.
As a team, it was decided that Connor Higgins’ sketch with a few modifications was the best design to complete the Mission Concept Review. The updated sketch is shown in Figure 5. The design consists of a body that is a 3D printed shell on a 2.5”x7.5” rectangle. This shell’s purpose is threefold because it makes the AEV more aerodynamic while providing a place to store the Arduino and battery which in turn makes the AEV look cleaner. The swing arm of the propellers is powered by a servo motor allowing the propellers to be in the most efficient position as possible. However, because of the weight of the electric motors, the arm may need to be reinforced. This could be accomplished by adding an L shaped catch that comes down from the shell on each side, allowing the arm to rest on it. Another way would be to have a swinging support arm that runs on a slot on the bottom of the shell. Either way the arm and its supports would need to be 3D printed as well and would need some sort of truss shape for strength.