Amey Sogodekar.
Source : Kirloskarengines.com
Design of Smart Electric Power Tillers
In collaboration with
Role
Design Intern
Type
Team of 6 (Professional Work)
Duration
August 2020 - February 2021
Brief
Sand Bird is an Agri-Tech Startup based in Chennai that aims to bring forth affordable and innovative agricultural equipments for farmers.
My main responsibility at Sand Bird was to design the rear attachment for their smart electric power tiller and do packaging of the E-Powertrain components.
Market Research
Power Tiller is a two-wheeled agricultural implement used for cultivation, weeding, sowing and various other farming activities.
Before starting with the design of the power tiller, a user survey was done of the tillers currently available in India. Based on its results the direction for development was fixed.
Issues with Tillers available in India
No Provision to transport goods
Many farmers say power tillers lack provision for short-distance goods transport, such as moving harvests from farms to markets.
Issues with Tillers available in India
Many farmers say power tillers lack provision for short-distance goods transport, such as moving harvests from farms to markets.
Issues with Tillers available in India
Many farmers say power tillers lack provision for short-distance goods transport, such as moving harvests from farms to markets.
Ideation
Tool used : Autodesk Fusion 360
1
2
3
Recognizing farmer’s challenges, we devised a solution. I created a concept model for designing individual subsystems.
1
Detachable Rear Attachment : Affordance to use the tiller with or without rear attachment as per need.
2
Provision to attach implements at back of rear attachment: For different farming operations like
weeding, sowing etc.
3
Implement E-Powertrain: E-Powertrain cuts Tiller costs with cheaper electric charging, and Indian Government EV subsidies benefit farmers.
Frame Design and Detailing
Tool used : Solidworks 2018
First, the Wheel Base and Track width of the tiller were fixed. Steering geometry and packaging were the main factors considered when finalizing these parameters.
Ergonomics was taken care of while finalizing the driver position. Steering and Brakes were positioned in a way that would allow farmers to operate the tiller for long hours without developing any strain.
PTO Shaft
PTO Shaft
transferring
power from
front gearbox
A Power Take Off Shaft (PTO Shaft) was going to transmit power from the front gearbox to implements attached at the back of the rear attachment. Space was provided for mounting the PTO shaft so that it did not interfere with the rear axle and smoothly transmitted power to implements at the back of the rear attachment.
E-Powertrain Packaging
Tool used : Solidworks 2018
After the components for the E-Powertrain of the Tiller were finalized, the packaging of those components was worked upon.
The components were packaged such that a 40:60 weight distribution would be achieved between Front and Rear Axle.
As per the Vehicle Dynamics team, 40:60 weight distribution would ensure optimum dynamics of the tiller while cornering and braking.
Final CAD Assembly
Tool used : Solidworks 2018
Handle
Front Gearbox
Rotavator attached at back of rear attachment
Brake Drum
Final Tiller assembly without the accumulator