Lab 3 consisted of screening and scoring out designs to see where the strength and weaknesses are. Each design was carefully reviewed and judged on stability, look, maintenance, durability, and cost and was given a score after being compared to the already provided design. If the design is better by comparison it receives a +, if it is worse it receives a -, and if it is equal it receives a 0. After evaluation the scores are added up and each design receives a final score. Secondly each design was once again evaluated on a points scale coming up with similar results and giving each design a final rating that can be compared to other designs to see which is the optimal one for use
The final design for the AEV project to be utilized was “Indefatigable”. Featuring a winged design which allows both propellers on each side to propel the AEV forward using equal strength on either side. The design also has a centered gravity both on the top and the bottom of the base, with the Arduino chip on the top front and the battery pack screwed in on the bottom back of the AEV. The distribution of the weight on this design allows for a very efficient and centralized balance which ensures that the AEV will not dislodge itself from the track while performing its code. However, due to the placement of both the battery and the Arduino wire management has become an issue along the AEV. The distance required for the battery, motors, and sensors to plug into the Arduino is very short and strained. Although this issue was able to be resolved, in scenarios in which the ship were to be larger or distributed differently this issue may cause a much larger issue. Besides wire management, the AEV itself suffers no flaws and performs its tasks proficiently and safely.
To view the lab results, open the link below: