During Labs 4 & 5 Team C met and discussed the individual designs created. Criteria for judging the design is based on the restrictions of the project and ways to achieve maximum efficiency such as weight, complexity, and aerodynamics. Using the best parts from each design, the team created another design. It was determined that combining the aerodynamic shell aspect of design 4 with the contra-rotating propellers of design 2 would result in an efficient vehicle for Smart City Columbus. This design (design 5) was then judged along with the others, and found to be just as effective as design 2. It was concluded that design 5 would be used if the grant was won, as it had many custom parts that would be costly without a grant. If the grant was not won, design 2 would be the best option, as it was comparable to design 5, but used no custom parts.
Concept Scoring Spreadsheet:
Concept Screening Spreadsheet [to be inserted]:
MCR Referenced in this exercise
Prototypes:
Airplane
This design is based off of a paper airplane. The wings will allow the vehicle to move with ease ensuring a better outcome. In addition, the batter holder will be hanging from the vehicle along with two wheels on each side providing support for the wheels. Finally, two motors will be added to the propellers on the back wings of the vehicle.
Opposing Propeller Design
AEV Design – Prototype – Opposing Propeller Design -11h42fg
This is design uses the idea that 2 propellers spinning in opposite directions will create more thrust. It is important that the motors are spinning in opposite directions, but that the propellers attached to them are still creating force in the same direction. 4 extension pieces will be needed in order to hold the propellers and motors in the correct positions. All other parts of the design can be created using the default parts in the AEV kit.
Tiana’s Design
This design would be very cost effective as it does not require a lot of material and can be created simply using the parts found in the AEV kit. Also this design would be very simple to make, which would be beneficial for mass production. Finally the propellers would help in moving the vehicle.
Mystic Macaw
This aerodynamic design features a removable shell and hanging battery cage with a door that slides down to secure the battery. There are also 2 holes in the shell for the wires to exit from. These features are intended to increase efficiency of the vehicle while also cutting down on resources used to construct the vehicle and thus cutting down on the weight of the vehicle as well.