3 different reports

Abstract :

Kuwait is one of the countries that suffers a lot from its climate conditions. Some days it’s extremely hot, while other days it’s either dusty or humid. It’s even hotter in areas that are further away from the city. people tend to work outdoors under these unsafe climate conditions. Furthermore, farmers tend to farm and harvest different types of crops under these unsafe weather conditions.

The top requirements and specifications for this machine is appropriate planting, the machine shall plant appropriately in the specialized farming area, within the given set of parameters. Steady motion, the machine shall be steady and capable of planting under harsh climate conditions. Long Life, the machine shall be capable of working for a long period of time. Fair cost, the machine shall be priced accordingly and fairly. Rechargeable, the machine shall be rechargeable. Small sized, the machine shall be small sized, so that it can be stored anywhere. Easy to turn on, the machine shall have an on and off button, so that it can be turned on by anyone with no complications. Waterproofed, the machine shall be waterproofed to be able to overcome the harsh weather condition in Kuwait.

The key project dates are first the PMP on 09/21/2018, SRD on 10/05/2018, project management and design cycle on 10/19/2018, PDR on 10/26/2018, project management and design cycle on 11/09/2018. In addition, major testings were conducted on these dates 11/12/2018, 11/15/2018, and on 11/21/2018. The CDR which was due on 12/07/2018 which was also an important date. Furthermore, some testing will take place during christmas break.

While building the machine several risks might occur at any time during testing processes. Introducing the issues that might occur in the motor, chassis, and actuator. So if the motor got damaged then the whole system won’t function, then the group’s reaction will be buying a new motor. Another risk the group might face is when the chassis do not prevent both heat and water leakages. Therefore, if it did not prevent the heat and water, then the inner components will get affected, so the group will then have to remanufacture the chassis to fix the issue. The last major risk that might occur is when the actuator gets damaged by having sand stuck in the device or by not having enough force. So if the actuator got damaged then the seeds won’t be planted in their actual position, therefore, buying a new piece is mandatory to fix the problem.

Several different trade studies were created. The first trade study that was created is about the different types of designs that were brainstormed. Trade studies were also created on the different types of vegetables that the machine will sow, different types of batteries, different materials, types of spring, types of covering wheel, and whether to choose a gps or a tracker.

After conducting research on different ways to help farmers to be able to sow seeds under harsh climate conditions the best solution for this type of problem is to create some type of machine that can help farmers sow seeds.The automated seed sowing machine also known as Beetle 007 is machine that is specialized in sowing seeds under harsh climate conditions. This machine is specialized in sowing two different types of seed,Radish and pepper. Furthermore, the machine will be insulated so, it is capable of working under extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the machine will include a camera, to be able to see the machine from a distance. A lidar system, so that it can stop if there was an obstacle in front of the machine. A tracker, to be able to identify location of the machine.

The seed sowing mechanism and the seed drill are going to be manufactured and tested during christmas break. As soon as the spring semester starts there are many tests and

manufacturing plans. Manufacturing will be completed by mid march and testing will take place after everything is manufactured and assembled. Testing will take place on the end of march.

1.0 Project Overview

- Problem Statement and User Need

The weather in Kuwait is unsteady. Some days it is extremely hot, while other days the weather could be windy and dusty. When it’s hot the temperature could reach 143 Fahrenheit according to the front news international website and our expertise as kuwaiti residents. Such conditions, are not easy to work in and to make a hard physical effort. However, the dust could cause a lack of vision to the farmers and health issue such as asthma. Such conditions are really harsh for farmers’ health and businesses. People tend to spend a lot of money on the farmers they hire, sometimes the average cost for one worker services could easily reach $350 per month and that’s excluding the money spent for housing, food, etc. An average farm in Kuwait could be scaled to 1,076,391​ ​square feet, this requires about 5-7 farmers in each farm. However, a quarter of this place is specialized for agriculture. Agriculture in Kuwait mostly focus on small sized seeds farming, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons, pepper and radish.

- User Need

1. Appropriate planting.

2. Steady motion.

3. Long Life.

4. Fair cost.

5. Rechargeable.

6. Small sized.

7. Easy to turn on.

8. Waterproofed.

The research for this project took a while to be able to choose what is best for it and to verify why. Basically, the research for this project was an advantage to learn more information and results that the group struggled with. However, the cost analysis is still a subject to change because the group is planning on doing tests over the christmas break and if there is any possibility of buying any components that will change the total cost for this project. The cost after doing all the research and analysis for now is approximately $910 which is may increase during the christmas break or on spring 2019.

Design for manufacturing is finally completed after 2 months and the group agreed on it. It actually was the hardest thing to do for this project because the manufacturing and assembly processes are relying on it.

- 2.3 Budget

- Materials budget

Table 5: Material Budget.

Components

Estimated Cost

Lidar

$150

Chassis, Wheels, and Motors

$287

Starter Kit

$46

Materials( Plastic,Al)

$100

Camera

$39

Lithium Battery

$19

Arduino

2x $13

Fan

$16

Switch buttons

$35

Voltage regulator

$2

Actuator

$17.5

Accelerometer

$13

Thermistor

$5

Hinge

$7

Tracker device

$75

Covering wheel

$13.64

Insulation cover sheet

$47.10

Total

$894.01

Budget

$1000

Since the group is a self-funded group, the group members agreed to a budget of one thousand dollar for this project.