Mission A.T.H.A.R.V.AImplementing Technology in

AgricultureNavaneeth GaneshSanketh Kumar

Google Science Fair 2014 May 2014

Parts of A.T.H.A.R.V.A Hydraulic Areca Cutter Hydraulic Blade Vertical Shaft Hydraulic Unloader Fixed Blade Horizontal Shaft Additional Installments Soil Water Monitoring System Hydraulic Weed Puller Hydraulic Fertilizer Gun Hydraulic Fertilizer Spray

The Hydraulic Areca CutterThis is the main part of the project along with some other features

which are optional though useful. This basically eliminates the need for a man to climb up the palm with a sickle in his hand and cut the bushel. A man can sit in his van look at the bushel he wants through the cameras fixed in the shafts(optional) and through the machine pluck out all the arecanuts he wants.

Hydraulic Blade This is a blade which moves to and fro thus cutting the areca

bushel. The Hydraulic blade grazes the Fixed blade and the bushel gets separated. The hydraulic blade used can be of two types - Single Joint Blade and Dual Joint Blade. The hydraulic blade traces an arc around the bushel before applying pressure to the stem and thus cut it. The Dual Joint blade can be used to trace a wider arc and reach out to tougher positions.

Individual Part Description

Individual Part DescriptionFixed BladeThis is a stationary blade and doesn’t move. It can be withdrawn

and sheathed within the Horizontal Shaft or the Rafter as is the case when not in requirement. This when comes in contact with the hydraulic blade procures the desired result as already stated.

Individual Part DescriptionVertical ShaftThis is the substitute for the manual climbing as you don't have to

climb the areca plant at all but sit in your vehicle and control the hydraulic system and let the technology do the magic! The vertical shaft on the application of energy, either manual or mechanical through distribution of pressure in accordance with Pascal’s law rises up and reaches the required height. This greatly benefits the farmers who might have labourer problems or are accident prone. This can be modified to a less bulky system which is easier to operate but challenging to construct and uses more power. A modification to be included in ATHARVA2.

Individual Part DescriptionHorizontal ShaftThis is another shaft which adjusts the width. It is used to take the

blades closer or far away from the bushels. It also doubles up as a sheath for the blades and the two blades are fixed on this part. There are two such parts in the standard model but it can be reduced to one more efficient shaft with a rotating base to ease the workload and give a wider range for application. To be Included in ATHARVA2 .

Individual Part DescriptionHydraulic UnloaderThis is basically the principle used in dump trucks or log splitters. It collects all

the areca bushels and through its inclined plane rolls them down.This may not be of much use in Areca cutters but certainly is advantageous when you want to cut areca flowers (called Pingaara in the local language used for devotional and decorative purposes and in fairs in small town India) or tender coconuts which get damaged on falling from greater heights.

The Hydraulic Weed PullerThis is a basic setup consisting of a standard weed remover

attatched to a hydraulic system. This is optional but the added advantage is that you dont have to supply any energy for its working. The motion of the vehicle is enough to power it. When the weed puller is moved by the hydraulic application, the weeds are cut - As simple as that!

Hydraulic Fertilization UnitThis contains a fertilizer can and an outlet pipe to spray the liquid

fertilizer. Here we have 2 liquids, one our hydraulic fluid and the other is the fertilizer and we should take care that the two don't mix up. When the tank is pressurized due to hydraulic application, the liquid fertilizer takes the outlet path thus reducing pressure - According the the Pascal’s Principle.