Alternate Solution 4

            Design #4 combines the frames of design #1 and #3 to make an I shaped frame that sacrifices a light weight for added stability.  This frame features power steering in the front to increase handling and decrease turning radius, making the racing portion of testing easier. Design #4 uses a singular motor to control the mast like in #3.  Due to added electrical components, this design consumes a lot of electricity, but not too much that a different battery type must be used.  The wiring used to link electronic components is insulated copper.  The frame is 40 inches long by 30 inches wide.  In order to cut down on weight, this design is constructed from balsa wood boards as a platform for electronic components with aluminum rods for support.  The wheels are once again 90 mm urethane roller blade wheels with ball bearings around the axel.

            The power steering units in the front are necessity for this design, as turning would be very difficult without it.  The added wheel segment is added for extra stability.  The central motor turns the entire mast, and is much more compact than the other sting motor designs.  The frame is made of balsa wood instead of solid sheet metal in order to cut down on the weight.  The ball bearings in the wheels can handle the added downward force of this heavier design, reducing friction between the wheel and the axle.

            As stated before, this design is one of the more stable ones with its I shaped frame.  The power steering helps to turn the vehicle during its run on the course, and the single motor mast will also help with turning.  The balsa wood frame helps to make the frame lighter to increase top speed and acceleration.  On the other hand, this is the heaviest design with an entirely new leg and two additional motors in the front.  The frame is also not entirely aerodynamic with most of its mass in the front.  Lastly, with additional motors, the batteries will run out at a faster rate after extended use.

Figure 4