Lab 4 Progress Report
Group A
Jared Weist, Alex Mohney, Heyi Chen, Brandon Cruz
Instructor: Kecskemety
Backwards Looking Summary:
The last lab consisted of the rapid prototyping and creative design where each group member thought of their own design and explored with the basic design characteristic of the AEV. The last lab also consisted of the group test running the AEV for a second time with a different set of propellers and different coding. With different propellers, the team tested the AEV with 60% motorSpeed. Despite the same AEV design as Lab 2, the AEV seemed lighter, quicker, and faster overall.
Figure 1: Design 01 – Jared Weist
The motivation behind this design is from real-life designs of VTOL-styled aircraft. Knowing that the propellers, specifically the grey props, are more efficient in certain directions, and knowing that the servos will rotate a maximum of 180 degrees, a design was formulated. This design needs thorough testing to see the weight limit of the servo as well as the effectiveness adding the weight of the servos. If testing shows that the servo can support the motor, as well as effectively rotate the motors to provide maximal thrust, this would meet the 2.5 minute time limit as well as decrease overall energy usage due to maximizing thrust efficiency. The weight is estimated to be about the same as the standard AEV, about 8oz. The estimated cost was roughly $160 USD.
Figure 2: Design 02-Brandon Cruz
In an effort to make the AEV lighter and as minimalist as possible, the sketch shows that there is what is needed in order to make the vehicle run quickly and efficiently. This is done with careful placement of the arduino, wings, and also the battery and its pack. The pieces are oriented so that the weight is distributed evenly for optimal speed when the AEV is needed to accelerate forward as well as backward. The body’s shape was inspired by the idea that although the AEV will probably not need it too much, the shape can allow the vehicle to be more aerodynamic through the sharp edges. Being on both sides, going forward and backwards is more aerodynamic and overall less weight than the original plank.
Figure 3: Design 03 by Alex Mohney
This design was a different take on the original design that was given to the students from the instructors, with the same body and wings on it, just in different positions. The wings are the same trapezoid shape, but with a slightly better weight distribution due to the wings being closer together towards the middle. This should be a better design than the default due to the propellers being closer together which should increase the efficiency of the motor/propellers. It is almost the exact same weight and overall dimensions as the default design, and it has a very simple layout which has appeal with certain types of products/manufacturers. The materials are light and all are within the AEV kit itself so no need for custom parts/laser cutting.
Figure 4: Design 04 by Heyi Chen
This design was a advanced version of the AEV project. The main body, chassis, for this design was made in Solidworks, and will laser cut to keep the body in one solid piece for higher structural integrity for the body, while cutting excess material and only leaving ports for the bolt holes. While creating this design, both reducing weight and increasing the strength of frame were priorities. The motor and blade were both seen to be lightweight and not needing a whole lot of support besides the motor clamp. This spurred the idea of having very slender arms to support the motors, as not much weight is contributed by them.
Figure 5: Final Preliminary Design by Heyi Chen & Jared Weist
This final design was decided upon by all members of the group due to weight reduction and efficiency of the design. The thickness of the frame was brought in line to be the same thickness as the hanger, 1/16”, further reducing weight while still keeping structural integrity. The battery in this current stage will be zip-tied each time to the frame, reducing weight by removing more unnecessary pieces. The battery was found to be 2.4oz, so the estimated weight was 5oz. With the battery and generous estimated cost for materials & laser cut parts, the total came out to a relatively light $174.74 USD, less than other designs that include the cost for the battery.
Figure 6: SOLIDWORKS Assembly of the Final Preliminary Design
This is a final render of the AEV assembly that was based off of the design. This is included to give additional views of the details of the AEV system. The battery and the group-designed custom frame and battery holder can be seen here. The group plans on using this design as the base for all future improvements and tests. The group has already thought of ideas on how to improve the design of the hanger and battery holder.
Backwards Looking Results and Analysis:
The AEV was seen by the group members to make quick acceleration, maintain high speed, and making unstable high speed turns. The group decides that modifications should made to improve the stability of the AEV. The Arduino controller acted as expected with no error, as did the motor and the reflective sensors. The AEV was seen to move faster in this lab, with the only changes being the motorSpeed(4,80) being changed to motorSpeed(4,60) and the grey blades being attached rather than the black blades. The % of power was reduced, but there was more aggressive blades on the AEV system, increasing forward propulsion efficiency.
Backwards Looking Takeaways:
The AEV was dangerously unstable through the curved section of the track. Improvement on both the design and the coding is necessary. Reducing the weight of the AEV was a design idea that the group proposed, with a plan to design a lighter and simpler body that would assist in more efficient travel.
Backwards Looking Tables and Figures:
No figures or tables were created for this lab.
Forward Looking Situation:
The next lab is the System Analysis 2 Lab, and all group members should have a design ready for discussion.
Forward Looking Weekly Goals:
- Test accelerations using the data analysis tool, seeing if a gradual acceleration from 0 or from 100 is efficient relative to normal operation.
- Test servo & new propellor blade.
- Test the power inputs that were found to be the highest efficiency; test for speed and confirm that these power values actually move the AEV system.
Forward Looking Weekly Schedule:
The group will meet every Wednesday at 4pm in the Think Tank at Torres House.
There are 4 goals to complete before next lab:
- All members are to have their own design ready for discussion.
- Work on coding the Arduino system for track runs.
- Work on coding the Arduino system for various acceleration and speed test.
- Work on coding the Arduino system for testing different designs.
- Complete MATLAB code for processing the EEPROM data
Appendix:
- Team Meeting Notes:
Team Meeting Notes
Group A
Jared Weist, Heyi Chen, Brandon Cruz, Alex Mohney
Lab 3
Meeting #3:
Date: 2/9/2017
Time: 4:30 pm
Members Present: Jared Weist, Heyi Chen, Brandon Cruz, Alex Mohney
Objective of Meeting:
Finish Progress Reports for lab 2 & 3, assign roles for the reports, remind group members about upcoming assignments for the class.
Previous Meeting:
Working on Progress Reports 2 & 3, refreshing group members on due dates and assigning work to be finished for the next lab.
Upcoming Meeting “Homework”:
- None at this time
Timeline / Gantt Chart:
- None this week
Decisions:
- Jared made the decisions regarding the completion of the sketch, and the preparation for the next lab.
Previous Assignment:
- The design class was inspirational and allowed the group to come up with new designs for the AEV project.
How can things be improved for the next time:
- The group will focus on working without getting distracted and staying on task, as well as researching different materials / designs for the AEV.
- The group will be more focused on testing during lab and working outside of lab.
- Team Meeting Result: Both reports were finished and are ready to be turned in upon group proofreading. Still waiting on some sketches to be finished before turning in.