Vehicle Design Optimization

The vehicle design optimization section is split into three different tests, each test tasking the team to focus on a different aspect of the AEV to better understand and improve the current design. These tests are done on the final testing track, which includes an incline to the center and a timed gate in the middle of the track that only opens when the AEV waits in between the sensors for seven seconds.

Final Testing Track

Every test starts to the left at the starting dock and moves up the ramp and stops right in front of the gate at about 13 feet. Then the AEV will coast down the incline towards the loading zone which is where the cargo will be held. The AEV and cargo will connect with each other using a small magnet on the cargo and a metal plate on the AEV.

Timed gate on the main track.

For better clarification on how the gate functions, the black boxes are sensors that detect if the AEV is there or not. The left most sensor will start the seven second timer. The next black sensor if triggered will stop the counter and prevent the gate from opening and this means the AEV needs to be accurate and stop in between the two sensors before continuing through.

The three aspects of the AEV that are tested in vehicle design optimization include design optimization which is testing the two best designs and comparing the energy used to complete the same task to see which one is better. While the code optimization focuses on reducing the amount of energy by changing different commands within the code. Finally, energy optimization is using the best design and code to finish the complete test using the least amount of energy.