Our final design focused on maximizing energy efficiency while also maintaining a high level of safety. Compared to previous designs, this AEV is significantly lighter compared to our previous designs, which had many extra 3D-printed parts on the front, and sides of the AEV. This forgoes most of those, other than the extension on the nose which houses the hitch to connect to the passenger wagon. This helps connect the passenger wagon at a safe distance, while also providing a “crumple zone” to help decrease the damage to both the AEV itself and the passenger wagon in the event of a crash.
Final AEV design
Other side of final AEV design
Here are both sides of our AEV, you can see our dual motor configuration that stayed consistent throughout the design. You can see the new acrylic base we opted for, to shave as much weight as possible off the design. You can also see the spots for the wings in front of the motors that we also opted to remove. Also, you can see our specially designed dual arm servo brake. This was key to the AEV design because the braking system with one arm ended up only providing a strong stop traveling one direction on the track. the opposite way, when it would be dragging behind the AEV, it did not stop quickly and this was a problem, especially when you’re coming back with the passenger wagon. A strong stop is necessary to prevent injury and other damage. Using this design, we have strong stopping power both directions, as well as a lighter brake that can be used to control the AEV speed coming down an incline, not allowing it to gain a substantial amount of momentum.