Design Concepts: Screening and Scoring lab consisted of being introduced to techniques used when making decisions between various designs. During the lab, the group was tasked of having to create a concept screening scoresheet and a concept scoring matrix. The purpose of creating these diagrams is to help determine all the pro’s and con’s of each design. The diagrams will help point flaws in each design and highlight the pro’s. For the final design, all the good ideas will try to be implemented into the AEV whereas any bad ideas will be put aside.
The base AEV ran well on the test track. The test run pointed out some things to consider: balance, minimal blockage, center of gravity, maintenance, durability, cost, and environment. In order to help decide on which design implemented all of these features the best, a concept screening scoresheet and concept scoring matrix were made.
Each group member was tasked with creating their own design for the AEV as shown in the appendix. Design A consisted of a pointed tip in the front of the AEV to help make it more aerodynamic. When comparing this design to the reference, it was just about even with a slight advantage to Design A. Design B consisted of added a second set of wheel holders allowing the AEV to hold up to 4 wheels at a time. An advantage with this design is its superb balance, and durability, but also the design receives heavy friction from the track making it less energy efficient. With having two sets of wheel holders also makes for high blockage and less aerodynamic. Design C was similar to design A, but with better modifications. An example of this would be that Design C includes two sets of wings that branch off the back of the AEV. This design makes the AEV more balanced than the reference and a better center of gravity. Finally, design D consisted of an aerodynamic body which provides minimal blockage, and good balance. Each success criteria was weighted appropriately and then a final score was tallied up for each design as shown in table 2 in the appendix. As a result, design D had the highest score due to its great balance and aerodynamic body.