Current AEV Findings:
From what the testing showed, the group gathered that the middle arm placement would be the most effective. The group was able to conclude this because of the relatively consistent average speed, distance traveled, and total energy used. In the case of the front position, the AEV could not effectively reverse due to the wheels not being able to maintain traction and contact with the rails, providing for not only a less efficient design but also a less safe design. In addition to this, the tests were significantly varied, despite identical testing conditions, leading the group to believe the design could not be relied on when it came to final testing and full market release.
Also, for the back placement of the wheels, the group found that while it did travel further, it went those distances at much faster speeds, and was not very easy to brake and switch to reverse. Also, the back design used more energy on average and was using up a great amount of energy to simply begin moving.
Overall, the group found that the best overall design was the middle placement, as it provided the group with the most room for improvement and error, as the design provides a safer, more efficient layout and results. Using this design, the group can have room for minor error and not suffer at all in terms of performance, safety, or efficiency. All of this together leads the group to conclude that the group should continue on in the group’s development of the group’s AEV with the wheel-arm being placed in the relative middle of the AEV.
AEV Variants Tested:
AEV with the back arm placement-
AEV with the front arm placement-
AEV with the middle arm placement-
Research to support Findings:
The group gathered results for four categories from our three AEV designs, each running two tests.
For the group’s first data collection, the group gathered total speed (m/s).
Second, the group gathered the average incremental energy (J).
Third, the group gathered the total distance traveled (m).
Finally, the group gathered the total energy used (J).
How does/will this make your AEV more marketable?
This, similarly to the group’s results found in R&D 1, should provide us ample evidence to display the safety, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of the group’s design. This will increase the market value, as potential future customers, investors, and more will be able to see the amount of work which has been put into this vehicle, and just how much preparation and testing have been one to ensure the best overall design and results come from the group’s finished AEV.