Concept Screening/Scoring


Concept Screening

 


Concept Scoring

 

All of the design presented were unique in the fact that they had strengths and weaknesses in a variety of different areas. However, by weighting what was found to be important for this project using the scoring matrix, it was made easier to determine which design we would using as the base of our project. Ryan’s design was the most fundamentally different than the others, as this design received the highest component placement score because of his battery and propeller placement. Additionally, Rithvich’s design will be combined with this to create the the end AEV as a result of the design’s high scores in weight and balance. His design featured an AEV that was closer to the track (shorter connection arm) for more stability as well as having good weight distribution with the battery and AEV location.

While the final design will be primarily based off a combination of these two designs, Sal and Charlie’s design also had areas that scored high and could make up for any weaknesses in the other designs. In Sal’s, there was an aerodynamic nose cone and tapered design that could help the flow of air be more fluid during the AEV’s movement. Meanwhile, Charlie’s design took special attention to its symmetry to aid in weight distribution as well as minimizing weight within the entirety of the design.

Each design has its strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately the component placement, weight, and balance of Rithvich and Ryan’s designs were the best to move forward with. However, the aerodynamic design and weight distribution found on the other two designs will also aid in making a final AEV that will maximize each of these areas.