WEEK 5

Date: 7 - 11 October 2013

Subject : 1) Research about the components used in Smart Grass Cutter technology.
                2) Design a block diagram in terms of input and output of the project. 
                3) Design a flow chart to show the process/sequence of my project.  

 

Introduction:

The purpose of this task is to do a research about each components that will be used in this project and sketch a block diagram to show the Input, Process and Output for Smart Grass Cutter. Therefore the flow chart is for to know the sequence of the process of this project.

Objectives: 

1. To find the function of each components.
2. To reflect on the path from the power supply to the motor (Output)
3. To make an understanding in more detail about the components that can make this project functional.

Project Description:

Nowadays, aims of new technologies are to enhance and make-work easier. The idea to design this project based on the problem encountered by an ordinary cutting grass machine. From my observation, an ordinary Cutting Grass Machine needs to push the machine moving around which mean it is in manual handling. We can see that to moving the big cutting grass machine usually needed much of energy. But nowadays, this machine has develop. It still need the user to monitor and supervise the machine operation from far distance.

Based on figure 1, it is the macro block diagram for this project. It have input, process and output part.

         1. Input = Infrared Sensor

This types of sensor will detect any object in front of grass cutter and robot will turning back. If there is no object, the grass cutter will forward to cut a grass.

        2. Process= PIC Controller

This is the heart of this project. It will control all steps after sensor send a data to the PIC which are the drive motor, cutting motor and light emitter diode (LED).

        3. Output

Then the output will obtained when PIC have detect the step depending on the program. The movement motor where to move the robot forward and reverse. Blade motor will turn for cutting the grass and LED either it will 'ON' when motor detect an object or when motor is move forward. 

Figure 1: Macro block diagram

Figure 2 is the flow chart for this project.

Figure 2: Flow Chart

The operation explanation is:

1. When system operate, Infra Red sensor will start active. The function is to detect any object in front of their body.
2. If IR sensor detect an object, robot will turned around. In the same time, orange LED turn on and green LED turn off.
3. Else if the robot is not detect an object, robot will forward and grass cutter will turned on. In the same time, green LED will turn on and orange LED turn off.

Problem Encountered:

From this research, I have found an idea about the component that I should use in this project. But the problems is what types of  infrared sensor and motor that I have connect to the circuit. Therefore more research in website or going to Jalan Pudu to find the suitable types of components for Smart Grass Cutter. However the project is still on schedule and will proceed as how the project was planned.

Project Outcome:

More outcome has achieved from this research. After this, I have to think about the each component that will be used in this project. One of my idea is I will used DC motor and some mechanical part and also gearing system to make the robot move. My research project is on schedule and I should encounter no problems finishing it.