PowerPoint Presentation

[Audio] We are thrilled to share with you our expertise on the creation of a manual vegetable transplanter, a groundbreaking invention intended to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of small-scale farmers. Throughout this presentation, we will delve into the design, operational mechanism, and advantages of this device, as well as its potential influence on sustainable agriculture..

[Audio] Agriculture, especially vegetable cultivation, plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and generating income in developing countries. Unfortunately, traditional manual transplanting methods are laborious, time-consuming, and prone to inconsistencies in planting depth and spacing, resulting in reduced crop yields. Small and medium-scale farmers, who often lack access to advanced machinery, face significant challenges in boosting their productivity. To address these challenges, this project aims to design a manual vegetable transplanter that ensures uniform planting, reduces labor strain, and increases efficiency. The transplanter will be designed to be affordable, easy to use, and adaptable to different soil conditions, offering a cost-effective solution to enhance the sustainability of vegetable farming.

[Audio] The traditional method of manually transplanting vegetable seedlings is labor-intensive, resulting in inconsistent planting depths and spacings, which ultimately reduces crop yields. This issue is particularly challenging for small and medium-scale farmers, as it limits their productivity and increases labor costs. The goal of this project is to create a cost-effective, user-friendly manual vegetable transplanter that ensures uniform planting, reduces labor demands, and improves the overall sustainability and profitability of vegetable farming..

[Audio] The objectives of this project are clear-cut. We aim to design and develop a manual vegetable transplanter that enhances planting precision and efficiency through a mechanical system. This means we need to create a device that can accurately plant seeds at the right depth and spacing, making it easier for small-scale farmers to cultivate their crops. Additionally, we plan to test the performance of our machine and refine its design based on real-world experience. Finally, we want to ensure that our transplanter is not only effective but also cost-effective and easy to operate, so that small-scale farmers can benefit from using it..

[Audio] The mechanism operates by pulling the handle, which sets the two connected wheels in motion. These wheels are linked by a steel bar, which drives a series of gear wheels. The gears transfer power to a rotating top circular plate with evenly spaced holes that hold the seedlings. As the plate rotates, seedlings are dropped into planting positions aligned with a cutting blade. The cutting blade's movement is controlled by a lobe wheel, which is powered by another gear system connected to the steel bar. The lobe wheel presses the blade downward to create a planting hole, and a spring mechanism lifts the blade back into position. This cycle ensures precise and continuous planting as the machine moves forward. Additionally, the furrow wheel guides the machine along a straight path, ensuring stability and proper alignment during operation, while the marker controls the row spacing by indicating where the next planting row should be positioned..

6. Design. Figure : Manual Vegetable Transplanter.

[Audio] We identified the necessary materials and components for the manual vegetable transplanter by conducting a detailed analysis of the project requirements. This included comparing costs to ensure budget compliance. We prioritized the procurement of critical components such as gears, chains, and cutting blades, ensuring that all procured materials met quality standards and specifications for optimal performance..

[Audio] Our team utilized SolidWorks to create three-dimensional models of the machine, incorporating crucial components like the seedling rack, cutting blade, and gear system. We conducted simulations within SolidWorks to assess the design's functionality, concentrating on aspects such as stability, planting precision, and user-friendliness. Based on the simulation outcomes, we adjusted the design to enhance efficiency and reduce potential operational problems. Finally, we created detailed drawings and schematics serving as blueprints for prototype development..

[Audio] We conducted a thorough analysis of the gear ratios and mechanisms to determine the most effective way to drive the machine. We designed and tested the gear system to ensure it provides a smooth and consistent motion for our planting operations. Our focus was on achieving the desired planting depth and spacing by calibrating the cutting blade mechanisms. Additionally, we evaluated the possibility of incorporating a camshaft-like lobe wheel to control vertical movements, guaranteeing precise seed placement..

[Audio] K.P.A.S.B. Dissanayake contributed to report writing, ensuring its clarity and adherence to IEEE standards. He designed and simulated the machine components using SolidWorks to analyze their functionality and efficiency. Additionally, he observed and analyzed the mechanical system to identify potential areas for improvement..

[Audio] We will conduct advanced simulations using SolidWorks to analyze stress, motion, and efficiency under varied operating conditions. This analysis will enable us to refine our design further and optimize its performance. Once we have completed these simulations, we will finalize the assembly of a fully functional prototype based on our refined design. Furthermore, we will analyze the overall production cost to ensure that it is affordable for small-scale farmers. To achieve this goal, we will identify and implement cost-effective materials without compromising quality. This will guarantee that our machine is not only efficient but also accessible to those who need it most..

[Audio] The next steps involve identifying the optimum suitable design by thoroughly analyzing the proposed conceptual design. This involves conducting design calculations to ensure the machine's performance meets the required specifications. The selected materials will be scrutinized to guarantee their suitability for the project. With the design finalized, we can develop a SolidWorks model to visualize the machine's components and simulate its functionality. Once satisfied with the design, we can purchase the necessary items and fabricate the machine according to our plans. After fabrication, we will conduct rigorous testing to validate the machine's performance and identify any areas for improvement. Finally, we will compile our findings into a comprehensive report detailing the machine's design, construction, and testing process..

[Audio] Calculations play a crucial role in the development of our machine. In this section, we will discuss the various calculations involved in designing and building the bevel gears. Firstly, we need to classify the bevel gears according to their type and application. This classification helps us determine the terms used in the design process. Next, we need to determine the pitch angle for the bevel gears. This calculation involves considering factors such as the gear ratio, speed, and torque. The proportions for the bevel gear also require careful calculation. We need to ensure that the gear teeth are properly sized and spaced to achieve optimal performance. Strength of the bevel gears is another critical aspect that requires calculation. We need to consider the forces acting on the gear and ensure that it can withstand those forces without failing. Finally, we need to design the shaft for the bevel gears. This involves calculating the dimensions and material requirements for the shaft to ensure it can support the weight and stress of the gear. By performing these calculations, we can ensure that our machine is designed and built with precision and efficiency..

[Audio] The manual vegetable transplanter's development has been informed by research papers highlighting the significance of ergonomic design principles, sustainable agriculture practices, and mechanical innovations in addressing small-scale farming challenges. These studies provide valuable insights into improving the efficiency and productivity of the transplanter..

15. THANK YOU q&a. MAN/20/B1/26 :- G.B.E.M.C.K. Wimalasooriya.