APPENDIX G

ALTERNATE DESIGN SELECTION

Purpose: Red Team developed three designs to fulfill the purposes laid out in the Engineering Specifications. For these specifications in details please see the document entitled: “Engineering Specifications.” Attached to this document are the sketches of the three initial designs along with sketches of the two major subsystems, and the rubric used to choose the most ideal design. Attached on the following page is the decision matrix. Following are the three design alternatives.

Design 1:

Tank Track System with two points of tension Oval shaped tacks Aluminum chassis low to the ground Wire cutting device off front. Variable terrain could cause issues. Low speed and clearance. Limited expansion space. Simple and cheap.

Design 2:

Tank track design with raised front Similar chassis to design 1 Arm off vehicle front Components on top of chassis Center of mass could cause significant issues Lifted front track will make variable terrain easier

Design 3:

Triangular shaped tracks give great clearance. Variable terrain will not be an issue with these tracks. Aluminum chassis with three tiers allow for maximum components space Simpler wiring design. High clearance will allow for hidden wiring. Less possibility for slippage. Unstable due to height. Heavier and more expensive Most complex design.

Conclusion: The third design outperformed both of the original designs almost across the board. After discussing the fact that the design would be more expensive the team decided that it would be capable of bring the cost of the design down to more reasonable levels. Furthermore the team is prepared to encompass aspects of the original two designs to add to Design 3, to improve upon the initial design. An initial look at the materials required has the team looking for cost-effective options especially in the track area. In short the team is confident that Design 3 will be the most effective at achieving the end goals stated in the Engineering Specifications Document.

G1

Design Rating System Averages  Design 1 Design 2 Design 3Stability (25%) 2.25 1.92 2.00Weight (5%) 0.42 0.38 0.33Potential Cost (10%) 0.83 0.77 0.70Simplicity - Ease of Assembly (15%) 1.20 1.15 1.05Rough Terrain Ability (15%) 0.95 1.30 1.05Size (5%) 0.37 0.40 0.40Speed (5%) 0.40 0.40 0.40Clearance Level (20%) 0.40 0.73 1.67

TOTAL 6.82 7.05 7.60Table 1

G2

G3

G4

G5