AEV Designs:
Please note that data will be added to support design elements later as we were not able to collect any data due to the shortened period.
Justin Bacon (AEV Design A)-
This sketch details a 9-by-5 inch AEV design. However, certain sections of that 9-by-5 space have been shaved off to save material. The design attempts to use the least amount of material for the base as possible. Located at the bottom of the design on the top view are both the Arduino system and battery. A battery holder would have to be specially designed to match the screw holes of the Arduino to maintain a slim design. Also note that the 4 denotes an area which the wheels could be screwed on as the location of this is flexible.
Danielle DeMarzo (AEV Design B)-
The design below is a 9 by 5 inch design for the AEV. Having had trouble with the original sample design and where to put the arduino and the battery, I decided to make something that will contain either the arduino or the battery. This will make the base of the arduino/battery case about 5 inches tall. The design looks like two trapezoids to make it a little more aerodynamic. I think that this will better contain the AEV but I am not sure of the weight which will have a big impact on how fast the AEV moves from point A to point B. The design aspect of my AEV is flexible but I wanted to have an area that will contain the battery or the arduino considering the original design that we have for the AEV now is not efficient for either.
Rhys Vaughn (AEV Design C)-
I decided to keep my design similar to the reference AEV. My design is 9” x 6” x 6”. The main concept from the reference AEV that I wanted to incorporate in my design was the motors in the back of the AEV. I think that this is the easiest and most efficient layout to propel the vehicle forward. Additionally, reducing air resistance will help the vehicle run as efficiently as possible. I slimmed down the wings towards the back of the vehicle to reduce air resistance. I also added a nose to the tip of the vehicle; this too will help reduce air resistance.
Final design after analyzing initial design and designs A, B, and C- Design is very similar to design C in shape. The only modification made was to move the battery to the bottom and to make it share screws with the arm for the wheels. This maintains the style and weight of design C while reducing the material and improving the balance of the design. This design is superior because it is aerodynamic and balanced making it safe and fast for transporting people. It also uses a relatively small amount of material meaning it will cost less to build.
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AEV Design Selection Process:
The following is a concept screening matrix.
As a result, the team decided on the way that each were going to be scored, on a scale from 1-5, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Each of the different categories were weighted equally, since each is of equal importance . When talking about weight, the category was based on how heavy the AEV was in total and how evenly distributed the weight was throughout. It was assumed because Design B had a battery container, it was to be the heaviest and therefore the least efficient. The final design will definitely still be heavy, but significantly less heavy than the reference and Design B. Each category was then based off of the same ideas and the final design was based off of Design C. The team will be moving forward with both Design C and the Final Design.