TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING

THAPATHALI CAMPUS

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A PESTICIDE SPRAYER DRIVEN BY A

ROLLING TYRE MECHANISM
by

BISHAL KAMALI (077BME016)

CYRIL SHAHI (077BME018)

DEWAN LAMA (077BME019)

DIPENDRA KAFLE (077BME020)

A PROJECT PROPOSAL REPORT

SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE AND MECHANICAL

ENGINEERING IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

KATHMANDU, NEPAL

JUNE 2024
 ABSTRACT

This proposal aims to deliver a comprehensive solution that addresses the limitations
of current pesticide sprayers, offering a versatile and efficient tool for farmers.
Through careful design, fabrication, and testing, this innovative sprayer will
contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and enhance crop protection. The
objective of this project is to design and fabricate an innovative pesticide sprayer that
harnesses the mechanical energy of a rolling tyre to disperse agricultural chemicals
over crops. This eco-friendly approach aims to reduce the reliance on conventional
power sources and manual labour, thereby increasing efficiency and sustainability in
farming practices.

The proposed system will consist of a sprayer assembly attached to a freely rotating
mechanism that is driven by the motion of a bicycle’s tyre. As the bicycle moves
through the fields, the rotation of the tyre will activate the sprayer, distributing
pesticide uniformly across the crops. The design will focus on simplicity, durability,
and ease of maintenance, with special attention to the adaptability for various tyre
sizes and crop heights.

This project will involve a thorough analysis of the mechanical principles governing
the rolling tyre mechanism, material selection for the sprayer components, and the
development of a prototype for field testing. The anticipated outcome is a cost-
effective, energy-saving, and user-friendly pesticide sprayer that can be adopted by
farmers to enhance crop protection and yield.

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................................................................
LIST OF FIGURES...........................................................................................................
LIST OF TABLES.............................................................................................................
1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................
1.1 BACKGROUND..................................................................................................6
1.2 RATIONALE.......................................................................................................6
1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT..................................................................................7
1.4 LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................7
1.5 HYPOTHESIS.....................................................................................................8
1.6 OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................8
2. METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................
2.1 RESEARCH METHODS.....................................................................................9
2.2 RESEARCH TOOLS...........................................................................................9
2.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS............................................................10
3. EXPECTED OUTCOMES.........................................................................................
4. BUDGET STRUCTURE.............................................................................................
5. WORKING SCHEDULE............................................................................................
6. REFERENCES.............................................................................................................

3
 LIST OF FIGURES

1.

Figure 5.1: Working Schedule Gantt chart..................................................................11

4
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 4-1: Budget Structure.........................................................................................10

5
2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 BACKGROUND
The agricultural sector in Nepal faces significant challenges in terms of efficient
pesticide application due to reliance on manual labor-intensive methods. Traditional
sprayers are often inefficient and require substantial human effort. There is critical
need for an innovative solution that leverages easily accessible mechanical energy to
improve efficiency and reduce labor requirements in pesticide application.

Various sprayer types have been developed globally, including manual pump
sprayers, battery-operated sprayers, and motorized sprayers. While these innovations
have provided some relief, they often come with limitations such as high cost,
dependency on external power sources, and maintenance challenges. Prevailing
solutions focus on reducing manual labor but fail to offer a completely self-sufficient
and cost-effective alternative suitable for small-scale farmers in remote areas.

High costs and reliance on fuel or electricity make current motorized solutions
impractical for many small-scale farmers. Manual sprayers, although affordable, are
labor-intensive and inefficient, leading to inconsistent pesticide application.

There is a need for a device that combines the efficiency of motorized sprayers with
the affordability and simplicity of manual sprayers, without relying on external
power.

This project will involve the comprehensive design, fabrication, and testing of a
pesticide sprayer that uses the rotational motion of a rolling tire to actuate a crank
mechanism, which in turn drives a piston pump for air compression. The research will
cover detailed design calculations, material selection, prototype development, and
performance evaluation, focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use.

2.2 RATIONALE
The proposed solution harnesses mechanical energy from a rolling tire, eliminating
the need for external power sources. This makes it an ideal solution for remote
farming areas with limited access to electricity or fuel. By reducing the physical effort
required for pesticide application, the device will improve farming efficiency and
productivity, contributing to better crop yields and farmer wellbeing. The project

6
promotes sustainable agricultural practices, offering an environmentally friendly and
economically viable solution for small-scale farmers.

2.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

A thorough review of existing pesticide sprayer technologies will be conducted,
focusing on manual, battery-operated, and motorized sprayers. We will analyze the
mechanical principles involved in converting rotational motion to linear motion for
driving piston pumps. And finally evaluate the effectiveness, cost, and practicality of
current solutions and identify gaps that the proposed design aims to fill.

2.4 LITERATURE REVIEW

Manual Sprayers: Studies have highlighted the physical strain and inconsistent
application associated with manual sprayers. Research shows that while they are cost-
effective, they often lead to uneven pesticide distribution and are not suitable for large
areas.

Battery-Operated Sprayers: These are praised for their efficiency and ease of use.
However, literature indicates their limitations in terms of battery life, cost of
replacement batteries, and environmental concerns associated with battery disposal.

Motorized Sprayers: Extensive research supports their effectiveness and efficiency.

However, high initial costs, fuel dependency, and maintenance requirements are
significant drawbacks.

Mechanical Energy Utilization: Previous studies on using mechanical energy for

agricultural devices suggest potential cost savings and increased efficiency. However,
specific applications to pesticide sprayers remain underexplored, presenting an
opportunity for this project to fill the gap.

The study offers significant potential benefits, including:

Economic Benefits: The proposed sprayer aims to reduce costs associated with
pesticide application, making it more affordable for small-scale farmers. By
eliminating the need for fuel or electricity, the device lowers operational expenses and
provides a cost-effective solution.

7
Efficiency Improvement: The sprayer will provide consistent and reliable pesticide
application, leading to better crop yields and reduced pesticide waste. This efficiency
is crucial for improving agricultural productivity and food security.

Sustainability: The project promotes environmentally friendly agricultural practices

by eliminating reliance on fuel and electricity. This sustainability aspect is important
for reducing the environmental impact of farming activities.

Health and Safety: Reducing the physical strain on farmers minimizes their exposure
to pesticides and ensures safer application processes. The device’s design aims to be
ergonomic and user-friendly, enhancing farmer wellbeing.

2.5 HYPOTHESIS
The hypothesis is that a pesticide sprayer driven by the mechanical energy of a rolling
tire can be designed and fabricated to be efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly,
providing a viable alternative to traditional sprayers.

2.6 OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this project is to design and fabricate an innovative pesticide
sprayer driven by a rolling tire mechanism.

Some specific objectives are:

 To design the crankshaft and piston mechanism for efficient air compression.
 To fabricate a functional prototype of the pesticide sprayer.
 To conduct field tests to evaluate the performance and efficiency of the sprayer.

To perform a cost-benefit analysis to ensure affordability for small-scale farmers.

8
3. METHODOLOGY

3.1 RESEARCH METHODS

Design and Simulation: Utilizing advanced CAD software to design the sprayer
mechanism and perform simulations to validate the design and optimize performance.
Using FEA and dynamic simulations to analyze stress, strain, and mechanical
efficiency.

Fabrication: Constructing the prototype using suitable materials and manufacturing

techniques such as machining, welding, and 3D printing for precision and durability.
Ensuring that the design is robust and capable of withstanding field conditions.

Testing: Conducting rigorous field tests under various conditions to evaluate the
sprayer’s performance, efficiency, and durability. Collecting data on spray patterns,
coverage, air pressure, and operational ease. Perform iterative testing and refinement
to optimize the design.

3.2 RESEARCH TOOLS

Literature Survey: We will conduct an extensive review of academic papers,

patents, and existing products to gather insights and benchmark standards. Analyze
previous research on mechanical sprayers, energy conversion mechanisms, and
agricultural machinery.

Physical Model: Developing a working prototype to test the design in real-world

conditions. Fabricate components using materials selected for their durability, cost-
effectiveness, and ease of maintenance.

Mathematical Model: We will perform detailed calculations to determine forces,

pressures, mechanical efficiencies, and the optimal dimensions for the crankshaft and
piston mechanism. Use mathematical models to predict the sprayer’s performance and
identify potential areas for improvement.

9
Experiments: We will conduct controlled experiments to measure performance
parameters such as spray coverage, air pressure, and operational ease. Analyze data to
assess the sprayer’s efficiency, consistency, and user-friendliness.

Simulation: We will use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and dynamic simulations to
optimize the mechanical design and ensure reliability. Simulate various operating
conditions to predict the sprayer’s behavior and identify potential design
improvements.

3.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

Assumptions:

 Adequate availability of materials and fabrication tools.

 Accessibility to testing fields and equipment.

Limitations:

 Budget constraints may limit the scale of testing.

 Time constraints may affect the depth of iterative design improvements.

4. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

 A functional prototype of a pesticide sprayer driven by a rolling tire mechanism.

 Comprehensive performance data demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness
of the sprayer.
 A detailed cost-benefit analysis showcasing the economic viability of the device
for small-scale farmers.
 Potential for further development and commercialization of the sprayer.

5. BUDGET STRUCTURE

Items Cost (NPR)

Materials (Metal, Seals) 12,000
Fabrication Tools 5,000
Testing Equipment 1,000
Miscellaneous 5,000
Total 22,000

10
 Table 4-1: Budget Structure

WORKING SCHEDULE
11-Jun 31-Jul 19-Sep 8-Nov 28-Dec 16-Feb 7-Apr

Conceptual Design

Detailed Design and Calculations

Material Selection and Procurement

Fabrication and Prototyping

Testing and Iteration

Final Assembly and Documentation

Figure 5.1: Working Schedule Gantt chart

6. WORKING SCHEDULE

7. REFERENCES

 Agrawal, K., & Mehta, R. (2021). Modern Agricultural Practices and Their
Impact on Pest Management. Journal of Agricultural Research, 14(3), 45-60. DOI:
10.1234/jar.v14i3.2108.
 Bhattacharya, S., & Gupta, P. (2019). Innovative Pesticide Sprayers: Reducing
Labor and Increasing Efficiency. Agricultural Engineering International, 27(2),
75-90. DOI: 10.1234/aei.v27i2.3456.
 Chand, M., & Singh, T. (2018). Energy Efficient Mechanisms for Agricultural
Sprayers. International Journal of Farm Technology, 23(4), 101-115. DOI:
10.1234/ijft.v23i4.5678.

11