Reflectance Sensor Testing:
The reflectance sensors were connected to the AEV structure and tested to determine their accuracy and precision. They were found to be fully functional and will be essential to the operation of the AEV to calibrate distance traveled and maneuver the body of the vehicle when approaching barriers and gates.
Creative Design Thinking
Design Prototypes
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1. Derek Goodman – The design implements a T-shaped base structure that is able to directly mount the propellers onto, thus cutting back on materials and costs. The Arduino will ride nicely on the front of the rig while the battery and server mount on the back to act as a counter balance. This design will reduce the overall weight of the machine.
2. Zanna Leciejewski – This design uses the idea of tilting the planes that the propellers are attached to. By doing this, we believe we can create a better drive and increase in speed without using excess power to propel our AEV.
3. Caleb Goddard – My design is heavy and durable, and has some extra style points. This design will keep parts safe from any falls, and won’t fall apart.
4. Jaclyn Boscarello
Final Team Design
The final design decided upon is a version of Derek’s prototype. The “wings” were added to help with overall balance, and slightly elevate propellers. Other than that, the design is similar to the prototype, which was declared the best of the prototypes after scoring and screening.
Concept Scoring and Screening:
The following document represents the scores of the individual team designs evaluated upon Material Efficiency, Mass, Safety, Durability, and Serviceability. Once the final team sketch is complete we will evaluate it and develop the model.
Concept Scoring and Screening-rdjunu
Design Features/Pros and Cons:
Zanna: The design featured ascending wing mounts increasing the serviceability and material efficiency of the design. However, the durability of the design is slightly compromised because of the length of the vehicle that could cause the structure to slightly bend under stress.
Jaclyn: Material efficiency and mass are well conserved in this design as a limited amount of materials are used to build the 3 piece body design. Safety and durability are slightly compromised to to overall length of the vehicle possibly causing a slight bend under stress.
Caleb: Material efficiency and mass are slightly compromised in this design to increase safety and durability by adding fenders for protection and balance. Serviceability of the machine is also a downfall to the design because of the extra features.
Derek: The design offered increased durability, material efficiency, and a light mass due to the simplistic design of the frame. However, the safety of the vehicle is slightly compromised as the arduino is fully exposed and the propellers circulate with minimal clearance of the frame.
Team Design: Safety, durability, serviceability, and material efficiency are increased in this design due to the simplicity and structural soundness of the frame. However, the vehicle is slightly heavier than anticipated due to the ascending wings and unneeded frame on the outside of the arduino. Zanna and Caleb’s ideas were eliminated while Derek and Jaclyn’s designs are going to be combined into the final design. The Team Design will also be heavily considered in the final design as it received the highest rating.
Data Analysis Tool
These figures depict our first tests with our AEV on the tracks. In the first graph, Power vs. Time is plotted, and one can see how the power steadily increases, then drops, and again increases until it powers off. The second graph depicts Power vs. Distance. It shows an initial increase in power leads to a distance of about 0.11 meters covered. Then the motors slow down and another 0.4 meters are traveled before power again increases and the AEV travels to 1.33 meters. The two graphs together can be used to accurately relate and record how the AEV performed, and what changes need to be made.
The code for the runs can be found in the “Code” section of “Team M.”