Mission

Team D’s mission is to develop and program an efficient AEV that can complete several tasks. In order to design the best possible AEV, Team D will complete all the deliverables laid out by the MCR while also implementing our own creativity and ideas [1]. The MCR describes specific constraints and costs to consider while completing the project. These include performance and budget constraints as well as capital, energy, time, and research costs. The AEV must be able to move and stop at specific points on a track, and safely load and deliver cargo [2]. Team D plans to perform multiple sensor and speed tests on the track to ensure that the AEV will stop at the destination while not moving too fast to bounce past the loading dock line or disconnect the cargo hitch. The budget for the project is $500k, therefore Team D will brainstorm and conduct research to create the most cost and energy efficient design. This includes designing less bulky battery holders and reducing any excess material on the AEV to consume less energy. The frame design for the AEV will be created using 3D-printed laser cut parts and will allow for the most aerodynamic body possible. By repeatedly testing our design in conjunction with the data extraction tool, Team D will analyze any flaws in our model, and work to fix them through additional tests. Every additional hour out of lab counts as a research cost, therefore the team will come prepared to lab every day and manage our time properly. Most importantly, Team D strives to create an AEV that is safe in all aspects. Our design will also consider safety, and multiple performance tests will be completed to make sure it is safe. The AEV should be affordable, that way it is accessible to all individuals and all of Columbus. If the transportation is affordable it will allow people of all ages and income ranges to benefit from the new AEV. Efficiency is one of the most important objectives of the AEV project. If the AEV was not efficient it would not be affordable. It is important for the AEV to be fast because people are incredibly busy and have places to go. For our AEV to fit the needs of Columbus it needs to be fast and dependable to get our customers where they need to be.