Aditya Exploration 1

A Report on the Course Project of
Engineering Exploration course (15ECRP101)
Tiltled
Automated Lawn Mower
By
Aditya Singh 810

Abhijeet Prakash 802
Amoolya Shettar 824
Aneesha lakshmi 829
Under the guidance of
Mr. Sanjeev M. Kavale, B.E.

Lecture, School of Mechanical Engineering
Center for Engineering Education Research

Academic Year 2016-2017, Even Semester
Center for Engineering Education Research
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project entitled “Automated Lawn Mower” is carried out
by below mentioned students as part of Engineering Exploration Course
(15ECRP101), KLE Technological University, Hubballi, during 2nd Semester of B.E
program for the academic year 2016-17. The project report fulfills the
requirements prescribed.
Aditya Singh 810

Abhijeet prakash 802
Amoolya Shettar 824
Aneesha Lakshmi 829
Guide Course Instructor

Mr. Sanjeev M. Kavale Mr. Javed Kittur
__________________ __________________
Examiner 1: Examiner 2:
__________________ __________________
DECLARATION
We hereby declare that the project work entitled “Automated Lawn Mower”
submitted as a part of Engineering Exploration Course during 2nd semester of
academic year 2016-2017 to KLE Technological University, Hubballi, is a record of
an original work done by us under the guidance of Mr. Sanjeev M. Kavale Neither
project work nor part of this report is plagiarized to the best of our knowledge.
Date: 28/04/2017
Aditya Abhijeet Amoolya Aneesha

810 802 824 829
i
Engineering Exploration - 15ECRP101
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. We would like to express our
sincere gratitude to our course instructor Mr. Javed Kittur for providing the opportunity to
explore and helping us for coming up with the successful project. We would also like to thank our
guide Mr. Sanjeev M. Kavale for guiding our team members in every step to build and study
project. We would also like to mention Mr. Raghurajadi, professor, engineering exploration for
his constant help on electrical fonts. We also render our gratitude to all other staff members of
engineering exploration for guiding us in all aspects. We also thank our college for providing for
us with Exploration Lab which helped us to complete our project on time.
We also like to thank Mechanical Department for giving us permission to work in Mechanical
workshop and also thank the workshop faculties who helped us to overcome hurdle we came
across in this project. It’s our privilege to thank our family members for their kind support and
encouragement. Last but not the least we would like to thank our fellow classmates and friends
for their continuous support and help throughout our project.
ii
Abstract:
Now-a-days, most of the existing lawn mower are manually controlled and need a man-power to
work. Also, they are very heavy and size is also big which makes it difficult for the user to operate
it and to take it from one place to another. It is costly also.
The lawn mower which we are making is automatic i.e., it can move on its own.it is small in size
and light weight which makes it portable to any place. Its cost is also less. But the main feature
of it is, it can detect the obstacles in front of it and change its direction of motion.
We have done the historical benchmarks of our product, have done a literature survey on the
existing solution of our problem. We consulted our guides and our colleagues finding the use of
Arduino which would help to control the speed of the motor and move the lawn mower.
We came to the conclusion that the lawn mower available in the market are very costly but the
automatic lawn mower we are making is very cheap and also it can detect the obstacle in front
of it.
This lawn mower will make the work of user very simple.
iii
Contents:
1. Problem Statement 1
2. Project Schedule 2-3
3. Pertinent information regarding established problem 4-9
4. Feasible Design Considerations and their Prioritization 10-11
5. Feasible alternate solutions 12-15
6. Analysis of alternatives 16-18
7. Detailed design of final solution 19-25
8. Implementation 26-27
9. Statement of Expenditure 28
10. Testing 29
11. Limitations of Present work and Future Scope 30
iv
1. Problem Statement
“To design a lawn mower of cutting blade size approximately equal to 20 inches. The machine
should be automatic and can detect the obstacles and is capable of cutting the lawn at three
different size. The cost of machine should be in range from 2.5k-3k and time span to build the
machine is 50 days. The machine can only be operated in plan areas and can't be used in hilly or
rocky areas. The size of machine should be small and stable while operating. “
1
2. Project Schedule
2
3
4
5
6
3. Pertinent information regarding established problem

A lawn mower is a device which by mean of one or more revolving blades is used to cut grass or
other plants to an even length. Lawn mower employing a blade that’s rotate about a vertical axis
are known as rotary mowers, while those employing a blade assembly that’ rotate about a
horizontal axis are known as cylinder or reel mowers. Many difference design have been made
each suited to a particular purpose. The smallest types, pushed by a human, are suitable for small
residential lawns. And gardens, while larger, self- contained, ride on mowers are suited for large
lawns, and the largest multi speed mowers pulled behind a tractor are design for large expanses
of grass such as golf courses and municipal parks.
Historical Benchmarks
The first Lawn mower was invented by English engineer Edwin Beard Budding in 1827. Budding
mower was designed primarily to cut the lawn on sports grounds & expensive gardens as a
superior alternative to the scythe. His patent of 25 October 1830 described “a new combination
and application of machinery for the purpose of cropping or shearing the vegetable surfaces of
lawns, grass plates and pleasure ground.
Fig.) An early cylinder (reel) mower, showing a fixed cutting blade in front
Of the rear roller and wheel-driven rotary blades.
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/ReelMower.png
7
Budding's first machine was 19 inches (480 mm) wide with a frame made of wrought iron. The
mower was pushed from behind. Iron gear transmitted power from the rear roller to the cutting
cylinder, allowing the rear roller to drive the knives on the cutting cylinder; the ratio was 16:1.
Another roller placed between the cutting cylinder and the main or land roller could be raised or
lowered to alter the height of cut. The grass clippings were hurled forward into a tray-like box. It
was soon realized, however, that an extra handle was needed in front to help pull the machine
along. Overall, these machines were remarkably similar to modern mowers.
Two of the earliest Budding machines sold went to Regent's Park Zoological Gardens in London
and the Oxford Colleges.[4] In an agreement between John Ferrabee and Edwin Budding dated
May 18, 1830, Ferrabee paid the costs of enlarging the small blades, obtained letters of patent
and acquired rights to manufacture, sell and license other manufacturers in the production of
lawn mowers. Without patent, Budding and Ferrabee were shrewd enough to allow other
companies to build copies of their mower under license, the most successful of these being
Ransomes of Ipswich, which began making mowers as early as 1832.
His machine was the catalyst for the preparation of modern-style sporting ovals, playing
fields (pitches), grass courts, etc. This led to the codification of modern rules for many sports,
including for football, lawn bowls, lawn tennis and others.
Further Improvements:
1868: The reel-type spiral-bladed cutter makes its stateside debut via manufacturer
Amariah Hills, who receives the first U.S. patent for the machine.
1921: Knud and Oscar Jacobsen introduce a mower with a purpose-built gas engine. The
reel-mowing machine cuts a blistering 4 acres a day—perfect for the golf courses, parks,
and cemeteries it's intended to maintain.
1929: William Beazley builds a power rotary lawnmower with blades that are driven
horizontal to the grass rather than perpendicular like traditional reel mowers, creating a
very close cut.
1938: Toro launches a power mower for the homeowner: It's affordable, fits in a garage,
and is so easy to handle that parents make their kids use it.
1953: Briggs & Stratton creates the lightweight aluminum engine for mowers. By 1957 it
accounts for 80 percent of engines the company ships in the U.S.
1982: Explicit lawnmower safety standards are implemented—and an ominous label is

born.
8
1987: The lawnmower takes a star turn in Can't Buy Me Love: Nerdy Ronald woos
popular Cindy, and the pair head into the sunset on his Snapper riding mower.
2000: Two companies debut robotic mowers. "Who needs to pay a kid to mow your
lawn?" asks Popular Mechanics in September.
2010: The world record for fastest speed on a mower is set on May 23 in Pendine, U.K.:
87.83 mph.
2012: Black & Decker releases a new cordless electric mower with fast charge and extra
batteries—enough juice for marathon yard maintenance. Husqvarna's Auto mower 305
even returns to a dock to charge itself. Bow to our future robot overlords
Existing Solutions to the Problem

Almost all rotary lawn mowers are powered by two-cycle engines, four-cycle engines or a
system of electric motors. These engines are attached to a number of blades. The engines
convert energy into the spinning motion of these blades, which allows them to cut grass and
trim lawns in a quick and uniform manner.
Types of lawn mowers:-
1. Rotary Mowers
A rotary mower rotates about a vertical axis with the blade spinning at high speed relying
on impact to cut the grass. This tends to result in a rougher cut and bruises and shreds
the grass leaf resulting in discoloration of the leaf ends as the shredded portion dies. This
is particularly prevalent if the blades become clogged or blunt.
9
2. Cylindrical Mowers
A cylinder mower or reel mower carries a fixed, horizontal cutting blade at the desired
height of cut. Over this is a fast-spinning reel of blades which force the grass past the
cutting bar. Each blade in the blade cylinder forms a helix around the reel axis, and the
set of spinning blades describes a cylinder. Of all the mowers, a properly adjusted cylinder
mower makes the cleanest cut of the grass, and this allows the grass to heal more quickly
3. Hover mowers
Hover mowers are powered rotary push lawn mowers that use an impeller above the
spinning blades to drive air downward, thereby creating an air cushion that lifts the
mower above the ground. The operator can then easily move the mower as it floats over
the grass.
10
4. Robotic Mower
A robotic lawn mower is an autonomous robot used to cut lawn grass. A typical robotic
lawn mower (in particular earlier generation models) requires the user to set up a border
wire around the lawn that defines the area to be mowed. The robot uses this wire to
locate the boundary of the area to be trimmed and in some cases to locate a recharging
dock.
Components and Modules for our product

 Wooden Boards
 Motors
 Acrylic Sheet
 Arduino Board
 Sheet Metal
 Wires
People of different expertise we need

 Mechanical Engg.
 Software Engg.
 Automation and Robotics
 Electronics and Communication
11
Solution ideas to design the product by other teams

Some teams are trying to solve the problem by linkage mechanism.
Other factors important for the solution:-

 The lawn mower should be balanced so that it should not move in uncertain manner.
 The wires should be completely insulated.
 The internal parts of the machine should be properly covered so that user do not get
hurt.
Bibliography
Source: Web Pages
[1]Title1. History of Lawn Mower
Author – Lawn Mower Designers
-http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/history-of-lawn-mower
[2]Title2. How to make Lawn Mower

-http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/how-to-make-a-lawn-mower
[3]Title3. Portable Lawn Mower

-http://www.amazon.in/keyword/search/portable-lawn-mower
12
4. Feasible Design Considerations and their Prioritization

The following is a list of preliminary criteria for YOUR PROJECT TITLE.
• The design must be low cost.

• The design should be safe for user.
• The design should be of size about 46cm X 32cm X 30cm.
• The design should be simple to operate, with minimum human effort.
• The design should be portable and durable for a long time.
• The design should cut the grass at three different levels.
For the purpose of Pair wise Comparison chart (PCC) we will be considering only above 4
criteria.
Table 1: Pairwise Comparison Chart
Safety Ease of Durability Cost Row Normalized value

Use Totals
Safety -- 2 3 3 8 (8/24) x 100 =
33.33
Ease of use 2 -- 3 2 7 (7/24) x 100 =
29.16
Durability 1 1 -- 2 4 (4/24) x 100 =
16.66
Cost 1 2 2 -- 5 (5/24) x 100 =
20.83
Column Total 24
The design criteria for better Lawn Mower design according to priority are as mentioned below
1. Safety
2. Ease of Use.
3. Durability.
4. Cost.
13
Safety: - We choose safety as our first priority. The machine that we are making should be safer
to use as it contain sharp blades that can injure anyone so it has to safe, so that anyone can
operate it.
Ease of Use: - The device has to be made such that any user can operate it with ease and function
should be clear.
Durability: - The device should be durable and work properly for at least 10-12 months. The
device will be used for two or three times so it should capable of withstanding the work load.
Cost: - The cost of device should be less and affordable so that any user can afford it.
14
5. Feasible alternate solutions
Idea no: 1.
Automated Lawn Mower – It is an arduino controlled lawn mower. We have used ordinary
stationary blades to cut the grass and to negotiate presence of obstacles an ultrasonic sensor is
used which will protect the blades from any damage. To cut the grass at different postures we
have used nut and bolt method as shown in the figure we will fix the pipe at different height
with the help of a nut the 1000 rpm DC motor is fixed at the bottom of the pipe so it will moved
along the pipe and also the blade which is fixed to the shaft of the motor. The motor is
powered through a 12 v battery and 200 rpm DC motors which is fixed to the two back wheels
of the mower are used to control the movement of the mower and wheelchair wheels are used
so the mower can easily move in all directions.
15
Idea no: 2.
Robotic Lawn Mower – It is a Bluetooth controlled lawn mower as a Bluetooth module is

connected to arduino board to control the working of the mower. A standard medium lift
blade which is used for the standard discharge of the grass and to avoid obstacles an ultrasonic
sensor is used which will prevent blades and mower from any damage. A linear actuator motor
is used to change the height of the blade which is fixed to the shaft of the motor. So then it will
cut grass at different postures and the motor is powered through a 12 v battery. Servo motors
are fixed in their wheels to move the mower in every direction.
16
Idea no: 3.
Grass Collection Lawn Mower – it is an arduino controlled lawn mower. We have used a high
lift blade in it which creates a high airflow which helps in bagging of clippings in the grass bag
attached at the back of the mower. To negotiate presence of obstacles an infrared sensor is
used and also rack and pinion method is used to control the vertical up and down movement of
the ac motor at whose shaft the blade is fixed so it can cut the grass at different posture. The ac
motor is powered through mains and for it's movement DC motor is used which is fixed to it's
wheels.
17
Idea no: 4.
Solar lawn mower – A solar panel is used in this lawn mower in case if battery drains out then it
can be powered through solar energy otherwise it is an arduino controlled lawn mower. A
mulching blade is used to cut the grass in very fine and small clippings. To avoid presence of
obstacles a pir sensor is used. A linear actuator motor is used to change the height of the blade
which is fixed to the shaft of the motor. So then it will cut grass at different postures and the
motor is powered through a 12 v battery. DC motors which is fixed to its wheels are used for it's
horizontal up and down movement.
18
6. Analysis of alternatives
The weightage given for the design considerations are as mentioned below.
 Safety: 33.33 percent (33.33 points)

 Ease of use: 29.16 percent (29.16 points)
 Cost: 20.83 percent (20.83 points)
 Durability and strength:16.66 percent (16.66 points)
The percent indicating the weight ages for the criteria are decided in pairwise comparison chart.
Below is the decision matrix for analyzing and selecting the best solution out of four feasible
ones.
Table 2: Decision Matrix
Criteria Weight (%) Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4
Safety 9 5 4 6
33.33%
Rate X Weight 299.97 166.65 133.32 199.98
Ease of Use 8 5 3 5
29.16%
Rate X Weight 233.28 145.80 87.48 145.80
Durability 7 4 5 5
16.66%
Rate X Weight 116.62 66.64 83.30 83.30
Cost 7 4 3 4
20.83%
Rate X Weight 145.81 83.32 62.49 83.32
Total 100% 795.68 462.41 366.59 512.40
19
The rating factor, rate-R is assigned according to the following scale:
 Excellent 9-10
 Good 7-8
 Fair 5-6
 Poor 3-4
 Unsatisfactory 0-2
Design 1:-
Safety: 7 points- Almost all parts are covered.
Ease of Use: 8 points- Just we have to connect the battery and pass the Arduino program and it
will work automatically.
Durability: 8 points- As compared to other designs it has 4 wheels and body more flat.
Cost: 8 points- The parts used are less costly.
Design 2:-
Safety: 8 points- Here the blades are below so it will not hurt anybody.
Ease of Use: 6 points- It is Bluetooth controlled but bit complicated to handle.
Durability: 4 points- Since we are using servo motor in this design, it can’t take more load.
Cost: 4 points- Servo motor is more costly which makes the design more expensive.
20
Design 3:-
Safety: 5 points- most of the parts are covered but still high lift Blades are very sharp so if any
small part of the body gets inside the mower it can cause some damage.
Ease of Use: 3 points- Blades used in this design is heavier which cause difficulty for the user to
work.
Durability: 6 points- This design is more stable as compared to previous one which makes it more
durable.
Cost: 3 points- The blades used in this design is more expensive which take cost of model high.
Design 4:-
Safety: 8 points- All Parts are covered so it will not cause any damage.
Ease of Use: 5 points- Bit complicated to use.
Durability: 5 points- As solar panel is used it will require more maintainance.
Cost: 4 points- solar panel will cost more so it is not anyway cost effective.
21
7. Detailed design of final solution

Detailed Drawing
22
Flowchart:
23
Electrical/Electronic Circuit Diagram
24
Arduino Program
int count=0;
long microsecondsToCentimeters(long microseconds);
long duration,cm,state;
long microseconds;
void setup()
Serial.begin(9600);//SERIAL COMMUNICATION WITH ULTRA SONIC SENSORS
pinMode(2,INPUT);//for sensors echo
pinMode(3,OUTPUT);//for sensors trig
pinMode(4,OUTPUT);//ea wheel
pinMode(5,OUTPUT);//ebwheel
pinMode(6,OUTPUT);//ip1
void loop()
25
digitalWrite(4,HIGH);//MD1
digitalWrite(5,HIGH);
digitalWrite(7,LOW);
while(1)
delayMicroseconds(2);
delayMicroseconds(5);
duration = pulseIn(2,HIGH);
// convert the time into a distance
cm = microsecondsToCentimeters(duration);
state=cm;
Serial.print(cm);
Serial.println();
if(state<=100&&state>=10)
26
break;
delay(1);
if(state<=40&&state!=0&&state>15)
{ count++;
if(count%1==0)
Serial.print("odd count yes");
delay(2000);
delay(2000);
27
delay(2000);
else if(count%2==0)
Serial.print("even count yes");
digitalWrite(4,LOW);//MD1
delay(2000);
28
delay(2000);
digitalWrite(4,LOW);//MD1
}}}
long microsecondsToCentimeters(long microseconds)
return microseconds / 29 / 2;
29
Bill of materials
Table 3: Bill of Materials
Sl. Part Name Material with Description about part Quantity

No which the part required
is made up of
1 Arduino UNO Transistor Micro-controller 1
2 DC Motor -- (12V,200rpm) 2
3 DC Motor -- (12V,1000rpm) 1
4 Ultrasonic Sensor -- HC 1
5 Motor Driver -- L298
6 Breadboard Plastic & 840 pts 1
Conducting
Material
7 Switch Plastic & 2
Conducting
Material
8 Wooden Box Wood 1
9 Nut and Bolts -- 12
10 Wires
11 Blades Stainless Steel 2
12 Wooden stick wood Support 1
13 Pipe pvc 1
14 Jumper wires 10
15 Rechargeable Battery lithium 12 V Battery 1
16 Battery 9 V Battery 1
17 Cutting instrument Scissor and blades 1
18 Bandit Fevicol, Double Tape 1
19 wheels Plastic Diameter 40 mm 2
20 Wheelchair Wheels Diameter 30mm 2
21 Buzzer ------------ ------------ 1
30
8. Implementation
31
32
33
9. Statement of Expenditure
Sl.No Item Description Quantity Price in Rs.
1 Arduino Uno Micro controller 1 500

2 DC Motor 12 V,45 rpm 2 290
3 Battery 12 V 1 650
4 L298 Motor Driver 1 220
5 Battery 9V 1 20
6 Breadboard Conducting Board 1 90
7 Wooden Board 60 cm X 30 cm X 1.8 cm 1 -
8 Pipe PVC 1 -
9 Acrylic Sheet 62 cm X 32 cm X 0.5 cm 1 -
10 Wheels 7cm X 4cm 2 110
11 Bandit Fevicol 20
12 Switch 2 20
13 DC Motor 12V,1000 rpm 1 160
15 Wires 5m 30
16 Male-Female 12 36
connector
17 Double Sided Tape 1 30
18 Nut and Bolts 4 mm 20 -
19 Blades Stainless Steel 2 40
20 M-seal 2 15
21 pipe 1 -
22 Wheelchair Wheels 2 -
23 UV Sensor 1 110
Total 2341
34
10. Testing
We have tested with the working of DC motor and Johnson DC motor and we have selected
Johnson DC Motor which is feasible for our project as it can bear more load. We have ensured
that the project had satisfied all the conditions which were mentioned in the problem statement.
We have tested our model after checking all the connections and we have done a test run where
we have encountered some of the problems.
Yes, our team has faced some problems while testing the model. The wheels were not aligned
first time due to which it was moving in curve path. In order to overcome this problem we take
measurements and aligned the wheels properly after which it is moving in straight path.
35
11. Limitations of Present work and Future Scope

The design implementation can satisfy only a limited number of constraints.
 It cannot cut a good amount of grass.

 The blades are not that strong.
 It can’t move in hilly areas and bushy areas.
 It cannot detect very small size of obstacle.
 The Battery drains out very quickly.
The design is just a preliminary. It can further be improved by using:-
 We can use ac motor for high rpm.

 We can use a blade made up of metal sheet.
 Tyres with better grips.
 We can use more than one type of sensor.
 We can power our lawn mower directly through mains.
36

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A Report on the Course Project of

Engineering Exploration course (15ECRP101)

Automated Lawn Mower

Aditya Singh 810

Under the guidance of

Mr. Sanjeev M. Kavale, B.E.

Center for Engineering Education Research

Aditya Singh 810

Guide Course Instructor

Aditya Abhijeet Amoolya Aneesha

2. Project Schedule 2-3

3. Pertinent information regarding established problem 4-9

4. Feasible Design Considerations and their Prioritization 10-11

5. Feasible alternate solutions 12-15

6. Analysis of alternatives 16-18

7. Detailed design of final solution 19-25

11. Limitations of Present work and Future Scope 30

3. Pertinent information regarding established problem

Of the rear roller and wheel-driven rotary blades.

1982: Explicit lawnmower safety standards are implemented—and an ominous label is

Existing Solutions to the Problem

Types of lawn mowers:-

Components and Modules for our product

People of different expertise we need

Solution ideas to design the product by other teams

Other factors important for the solution:-

Source: Web Pages

[1]Title1. History of Lawn Mower

Author – Lawn Mower Designers

[2]Title2. How to make Lawn Mower

[3]Title3. Portable Lawn Mower

4. Feasible Design Considerations and their Prioritization

• The design must be low cost.

Table 1: Pairwise Comparison Chart

Safety Ease of Durability Cost Row Normalized value

5. Feasible alternate solutions

Robotic Lawn Mower – It is a Bluetooth controlled lawn mower as a Bluetooth module is

 Safety: 33.33 percent (33.33 points)

Table 2: Decision Matrix

Criteria Weight (%) Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4

Total 100% 795.68 462.41 366.59 512.40

The rating factor, rate-R is assigned according to the following scale:

Safety: 7 points- Almost all parts are covered.

Cost: 8 points- The parts used are less costly.

Ease of Use: 6 points- It is Bluetooth controlled but bit complicated to handle.

Ease of Use: 5 points- Bit complicated to use.

Durability: 5 points- As solar panel is used it will require more maintainance.

7. Detailed design of final solution

Electrical/Electronic Circuit Diagram

long microsecondsToCentimeters(long microseconds);

Serial.begin(9600);//SERIAL COMMUNICATION WITH ULTRA SONIC SENSORS

pinMode(2,INPUT);//for sensors echo

pinMode(3,OUTPUT);//for sensors trig

// convert the time into a distance

Serial.print("odd count yes");

Serial.print("even count yes");

long microsecondsToCentimeters(long microseconds)

Table 3: Bill of Materials

Sl. Part Name Material with Description about part Quantity

Sl.No Item Description Quantity Price in Rs.

1 Arduino Uno Micro controller 1 500

11. Limitations of Present work and Future Scope

 It cannot cut a good amount of grass.