Once we were familiar with how the AEV functioned, we moved on to the creative design stage and focused on creating our own versions of the AEV design. Independently, each of us brainstormed, designed and sketched a potential AEV. The four individual sketches are shown below:
Individual Concept Sketches of the AEV:
Jakob’s Design:
The main features of Jakob’s design include two propellers and slightly curved wings. Specifically the t-shape base which he believes will provide stability and balance for the AEV which will ultimately allow the AEV to travel smoother. Jakob used the L-shaped arm in order to keep the center of mass between the middle of the AEV and the front of the AEV.
Joey’s Design:
Joey’s design focuses on symmetry and balance much like Jakob’s. He also used the t-shape base and two propellers in order to maximize power while maintaining balance. The wings are tilted and set more toward the front of the base to even out the weight from the perpendicular part of the T-shape. Joey chose the L-shaped arm so that the weight was distributed evenly and counteracted the extra weight in the back of the AEV from the t-shape.
Ella’s Design:
Ella’s design was similar to Joey’s and Jakob’s designs in using the t-shape base. However, the biggest difference was the extra wing attached to the first set of wings. Her motivation for doing this was to create more balance on the sides of the AEV so that it is not too middle heavy. By doing this, the wings have more of a square shape than an angled trapezoid because of their positioning. In addition, she used two propellers and the L-shaped arm in order to get the most power and have a balanced AEV.
Carly’s Design:
Carly’s design differed from everyone else’s specifically because she used the x-shaped base rather than the t-shape. She used the x-shape in hopes of creating a stable AEV. She was worried that the t-shaped arm would be too heavy in the middle and by using the x-shape base, the AEV would be more stable. Carly also used two wings – one on either side – and two propellers. She also attached the propellers to the wings which are on the back end of the x-shape and are angled upwards. This was the most logical place to put them since she felt it necessary to use two propellers.
To compare these designs, concept screening and scoring matrices were used. To see the results from this comparison, visit: Concept Screening/Scoring Matrices. The scoring matrices prompted a conversation with our team as a whole as we reviewed the designs focusing on the criteria of stability, maintenance, minimal blockage, durability and safety, and scoring the designs 1-5 for each category. After comparing and contrasting the models using this method, we narrowed it down to two of the four designs to focus on and move forward with – Joey’s design and Carly’s design. We combined these two designs and came up with our final team design that we would eventually move forward with in future tests in order to finalize our final product, as shown below:
Team Concept Sketch of the AEV:
The aspects from Joey’s design that were included in our team’s design were the T-shaped base with the two propellers/motors on the back and the two trapezoid wings. These aspects were all chosen to be included because we believed that it would provide the most stability and would maintain the center of mass. The aspect from Carly’s design that was included in our team’s design was the T-shaped arm. This was included because it was believed that it would also provide more stability and promote the center of lift with its symmetry.