Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
Pankaj Malkani, Indra Mani, Pramod Kumar Sahoo, Roaf Ahmad Parray, Rabi Narayan Sahoo, Wasi Alam, Mukesh Kumar, Sunil Kumar Rathod, Asha KR and Dharmender

Abstract:
A hardware setup of sensor-based herbicide applicator of dimension (l.6 m× 0.55 m×1.1 m) was designed, analyzed and fabricated for site-specific weed management. The prototype consisted of chassis, load supporting structure, motor-gearbox, battery, pneumatic wheels, weed detection system and variable rate herbicide application system. Chassis and load supporting structure were the key component for the structural support and accommodation of the other components and were designed in Creo parametric5.0 using Finite element method (FEM). The designed structures were tested for structural strength in Creo simulation 5.0 using Static FEM analysis for validating the design consideration. Chassis and load supporting structure were loaded with a 1 kN and 0.60 kN normal load. Results revealed maximum von mises stress, deformation and strain developed within the chassis and load supporting structure were (5.09 MPa & 2.11678 MPa), (9.45×10^-4 mm & 0.01426 mm) and (3.021×10^-5 & 5.815×10^-6) respectively. The results of analysis revealed both the designs were within the safe limits of stress and strain, hence the designs values were selected and hardware was fabricated. All the other components procured were assembled and mounted to the chassis and load supporting structure and prototype was developed. The computer aided design using creo-parametric software was found suitable to reduce the time required for repetitive design calculation, fabrication, and assembling work during the actual entire fabrication process.