Structure
Main Body
The main body of the AEV is made of an Aluminium frame that provides a rigid support to contain the interior subsystems. There are two main spaces created by the frame a lower section that will contain the power train and electronic subsystem and an upper larger space that is the interior cargo hold where packages will be placed in delivery. The AEV will be protected by fiberglass body panels that connects to the frame and withhold all interior sections. The exterior of the AEV will be sealed at all the joining's so that it is waterproof. The main body of the AEV has been manufactured by last years project team and will be improved and added to for this year.
Security
A security system will be added to the AEV to ensure that only authorised access to the cargo hold is allowed. The security system will consist of an electric keypad and strike mechanism both of which will be imbedded into the body panels. The keypad will be secured to the upper door panel and the strike to the interior side door panel.
Cargo Hold
The current cargo hold is made of wooden panels that are sealed at the joints. To improve the cargo hold this year an insulation will be added and painted to increase the functionality and aesthetic of the cargo hold. An insulating material of an R-Value of at least 5 will be implemented and sealed with a waterproof sealant in order to keep the Interior cargo hold at a stable temperature unaffected by exterior environments. The insulation and sealant will also mean that the subsystems contained underneath the cargo hold are also protected from water and outside elements. A final addition to the cargo hold is a cargo restraint system that will reduce the movement of the cargo whilst the AEV is in transit, maintaining the integrity of the cargo in delivery. For this design a non-slip mat will be fitted to the floor of the cargo hold.
