1) Alternative Propulsion
Group B had decided that the usage of propellers did not seem efficient enough based on some tests we perform, Below is a power/time graph that we generated from a performance test during our test routine.
A new design is then created using a pulley system to propel the AEV. The two motors that were given were replaced with a single high torque size 130 motor. We placed the motor on the top of the AEV and connected it to the wheels with a rubber band. This creates a pulley system.
The cons we have found for this design are:
– Too many slips between the wheels.
– Rubber band seems to always be coming out of the system
(Pulley Design)
To resolve those issues, a gear system was implemented to run the system. With a gear ratio of 1.63 connected from the motors to one of the wheels, the test was positive and the system propelled smoothly with no slips. There are plans to develop this design further in the future and proves that it will be used as the final design to propel the AEV.
(Gear System Implemented)
2) Servo Testing
The servo motor was tested to create a braking system for the AEV. Some putty was applied on one of the wheels and the servo motor’s arm. By placing the servo beside the wheel, the putty on the servo’s arm and the wheel will create traction, causing the AEV to come to an immediate halt.
(Servo Motor Design)
However, the servo seemed unnecessary when gears were added to our AEV as the traction between the gears connecting the high torque motor and one of the wheels is enough to brake the AEV at an absolute position with no coasts or slips. The gears performed similar and better function in stopping the AEV immediately compared to using the servo.