Creative Design Thinking:
Lab 3, The Creative Design Thinking lab, taught us creative thinking techniques, as well as different obstacles to creative thinking. During the lab the the AEV was also assembled and the group became familiar with the parts of the AEV. Before the The AEV was built members of the team had to drawl different designs, which taught us the basics of orthographic drawling. The lab finally had us all brainstorm on an idea and come up with the final group design for the AEV (shown Below).
Figure 1: Group AEV sketch
Progress Report
In general the group decided that the AEV should have the Arduino in the center, slated wings with the propellers on the back, and the L-shaped arm. The group decided that the Ardunio and the battery should be in the center after looking at Avery’s and Will’s designs. Both their designs had the arduino and battery in the center to better distribute the weight of the entire AEV since the ardunio and battery have most the mass. For the same reason we decided that the L_shaped ARM should be used because this allowed us to have the arduino and battery in the middle with the L-shaped Arm closer to the front of the AEV. The design with the arduino and the battery in the center allow them to be closer to the motors and therefor less wires. Finally the slated wings with motors attached allow for better aerodynamics, and will increase efficiency for the AEV. The process to come up with the final design required the group to use attribute listing where we used different designs and different techniques from each persons personal design.
Individual Designs:
Figure 2: Andrew Bushman’s Sketch
The sketch was designed to resemble an fighter jet with the wingspan get larger from front to back. This design helps with the aerodynamics of the AEV going through the air. The next important design feature is that the propellers are on the back of the aev in order to allow for better thrust. The Design also uses the T-shaped arm design to hold the wheels to better center the weight of the AEV. Finally in this design the Arduino is at the front of the AEV which is probably not the best design because it is far away from the motors.
Figure 3: Avery Scholl’s sketch
This design’s main goal was to maximize space, while using minimal supplies. By only using a T-Shaped piece, the monitors, Arduino board, and mount for the sensors, the cost is kept to a low. Also, because the vertical parts of the AEV are thin, it allows for minimal surface area and therefore little air resistance – allowing the AEV to move freely and easily. The wires are kept far away from the motors on the mount, so they will not get caught and cause a malfunction.
Figure 4: Will Gao’s sketch
Pros:
The conical shape of the nose/body allows for minimal Air Resistance.
The design goes over the wheels which helps stabilize the AEV and reduces more air resistance.
The Design is relatively small and therefore cost effective
The design fits well within the given parameters and has room to add additions if need be
Figure 5: Scott Kiehl’s sketch
This design was focused around letting the arduino have extra room on the base to add onto later. The design also took into account the weight distribution of the AEV. Finally, the design proposed a shell that could be constructed around the AEV components to shelter them and increase the aerodynamics of he design.