Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s

College of Engineering and Technology Noida, U.P

Seminar Report

On

“Grass Cutting Mechanism’’

As a
Part of B.Tech Curriculum
Submitted by:

Vikas Tiwari
Semester: V
Roll No.: 1409540063

Under the Guidance of:

Abhijit Kulkarni
(Assistant Professor)
MGM’s COET, Noida
(Seminar Coordinator) Submitted to:
Mr. Ram Prakash HOD

(Department of Mechanical Engg.)

 Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s

College of Engineering and Technology

Noida, U.P., India

Department of Mechanical Engineering

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Mr. VIKAS TIWARI B. Tech. Mechanical Engineering,
Class TT-ME and Roll No. 1409540035 has delivered seminar on the topic
“GRASS CUTTING MECHANISM”. His seminar presentation and report
during the academic year 2017- 2018 as the part of B. Tech Mechanical
Engineering curriculum was good.

(Guide) (Seminar coordinator) (Head of the Department)

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank respected Mr. ABHIJIT KULKARNI (ASSISTANT
PROFESSOR) Department of Mechanical Engineering for giving me such a
wonderful opportunity to expand My knowledge for my own branch and giving me
guidelines to present a seminar report. Secondly, I would like to thank my friends who
helped me to make my work more organized and Well-stacked till the end. Next, I
would thank Microsoft for developing such a wonderful tool Like MS Word. It helped
my work a lot to remain error-free. Last but clearly not the least; I would thank The
Almighty for giving me strength to complete my report on time.

NAME-VIKAS TIWARI
CLASS- TT-ME
ROLL NO.- 1409540063
 ABSTRACT
The design objective is to come up with a mower that is portable, durable, easy to
operate and maintain. It also aims to design a self- powered mower of electrical
source; a cordless electric lawn mower. The heart of the machine is a battery-powered
DC electric motor. It comprises of a system of speed multiplication pulleys which
drive the cutting blades and the charging unit comprising of a 12V alternator and a lift
mechanism meant to alter the height of cut. This is achieved by means of a system of
pulleys with minimal slip effect; collapsible blades to reduce the common problem of
wear. The use of collapsible blades and incorporation of an alternator for recharging
the battery make the design unique such that no engine is involved. Performance test
gave a cutting efficiency of 89.55% with 0.24kN human effort. Thus, the machine is
considered highly efficient and is readily adaptable to different cutting conditions.
 content

Certificate
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of Content
List of figures

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2 : MECHANISM OF GRASS CUTTING
2.1 History
2.2 Further improvement
2.3 Lawn mower grass cutting mechanism
2.3.1 Cylindrical grass cutting lawn mower mechanism
2.3.2 Rotary grass cutting lawn mower mechanism
2.3.3 Gasoline lawn mower grass cutting mechanism
2.3.4 Electric lawn mower grass cutting mechanism
2.3.5 Commercial lawn mower grass cutting mechanism
2.3.6 Petrol lawn mower grass cutting mechanism
2.3.7 Hover lawn mower grass cutting mechanism
2.3.8 Solar power lawn mower grass cutting mechanism
CHAPTER 3: SCOTCH YOKE MECHANISM

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Problem identification
3.3 Solar panel
3.3.1 Photovoltaic principle
3.3.2 Specifications
3.4 Scotch yoke mechanism
3.5 Application
3.7 Future work
CHAPTER4: MATERIALS AND METHOD USED IN GRASS
CUTTING MECHANISM
4.1 Materials in grass cutting mechanism
4.1.1 Blades in grass cutting mechanism
4.1.2 Body frame
4.1.3 Wheels
4.1.4 Push handles in grass cutting mechanism
4.2 Methods of use in grass cutting mechanism
4.2.1 Starting the mechanism
4.2.2 Moving the mechanism
4.2.3 Area of cut
4.2.4 Setting the cutting depth
4.2.5 Maintenance
4.2.6 Replacing the cutting blade
4.2.7 Cleaning the blade
CONCLUSION
REFERENCE
 LIST OF FIGURE

Figure no. Figure Name Page

no.
1.1 Modern Battery powered grass cutting mechanism
1.1 Electric Circuit diagram of grass cutting mechanis
2.1 Grass cutting mechanism
2.2 Commercial grass cutting mechanism
2.3 Cylindrical lawn mower grass cutting mechanism
2.4 Rotary grass cutting lawn mower mechanism
2.5 Gasoline grass cutting lawn mower mechanism
2.6 Electric grass cutting lawn mower mechanism

2.7 Commercial lawn mower grass cutting mechanism

2.8 Petrol lawn mower grass cutting mechanism

2.9 Hover lawn mower grass cutting mechanism

2.10 Solar power lawn mower grass cutting mechanism

3.1 Solar grass cutter in scotch yoke mechanism

3.2 Photovoltaic effect

3.3 Animated view of scotch yoke mechanism

3.4 Scotch yoke mechanism

4.1 High carbon steel Cutting blade

4.2 Base frame
4.3 Push handle lawn mower in grass cutting
mechanism
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
A Grass cutting mechanism is a mechanism that uses one or more revolving blades to
cut a lawn to an even height. The blades may be powered either by hand pushing the
mower forward to operate the mechanical blade(s), or may have an electric motor or
an internal combustion engine to spin their blades. Some mowers also include other
abilities, like mulching or collecting their clippings.
An electrical Lawn Mower is more suitable & easy to use than the lawn mower with
an engine, so we are making an electrical lawn mower with an electric motor, which
is providing the high speed rotation to the blades. Cordless electric mowers are
powered by a variable number (typically 1-2) of 12-volt rechargeable batteries.
Typically, more batteries mean more run time and/or power. Batteries can be in the
interior of the lawn mower or on the outside. If on the outside, the depleted batteries
can be quickly swapped with recharged batteries. Cordless mowers have the
maneuverability of a gasoline powered mower and the environmental friendliness of a
corded electric mower.

Fig.1.1 -A typical Modern grass cutting mechanism

The design of an electrical lawn mower contents a blades, bed knife, body frame,
wheels, push handle, bag, & motor. The power system there is many Options, but we
are using rechargeable battery powered motor, which is attached to the cutting blades.
Sizing the battery will depend on what we are powering, specifically the motors. Like
batteries, there is a range of motors to choose from. We went with 24 volt motor with
integrated gear heads.

Fig. 1.2-Electrical Circuit Diagram of grass cutting mechanism

Grass cutting mechanism is very common in an open area. Even when left unattended
for a few days grass, weeds and wild shrubs cover the ground. A lot of grass cutter
machines are available in market for cutting grass but these machines are not able to
cut thick shrubs. Therefore these shrubs have to be cut manually or by using some
special machines like brush cutters. In this work to revamp an existing setup. Various
shortcomings of the machine were carefully examined and machine was customized
to meet the requirements of a shrub cutter machine. The electrical circuit of a lawn
mower, which are shown in the fig.1.2. In this Circuit diagram the battery connected
to the motor by an alternator.
Cutter deck housing -This houses the blade and the drive system of the mower. It is
shaped to effectively eject the grass clippings from the mower.
Blade mounting and drive system -The blade of a rotary mower is usually mounted
directly to the motor shaft.
Mower blade — A rotary mower generally has two blades that rotates horizontally.
The blade features edges that slightly curved up to generate a continuous air flow as
the blade rotates, thus creating a sucking and tearing action.
 CHAPTER 2

MECHANISM OF GRASS CUTTING

2.1 HISTORY
The first Lawn mower was invented by English engineer Edwin Beard Budding in
1827. Bedding’s 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. The patent went to state. “Country gentlemen may find in using my machines
themselves an amusing, useful and healthy exercise”. It took ten more years and
further innovations to create a machine 1that could be worked by donkey or horse
power & 60 years before a steam powered lawn mower was build. In an agreement
between John Ferrabee and Edwin Budding dated May 18, 1830, Ferrabee paid the
cost of development, Obtained letters of patent and acquired right to manufacture, sell
and licensed to other manufacturers in the production of lawn mowers.
Manufacture of lawn mowers began in the 1850s. By 1862, Forage’s company was
making eight models in various roller sizes up to 900 mm (36inches). He
manufactured over 5000 machines until production ceased in 1863. Thomas green
produced the first chain driven mower in 1859, named the Silence Mess ore. On May
9, 1899, an improved cylinder mower was patented in U.S. patent 624, 749, with the
wheel placement altered for better performance.
Mariah M. Hills went on to found the Archimedean Lawn Mowers Co. 1871. Around
1900, one of the best known English was the ransoms Automation, available in chain
or driven models. About this time, an operator could ride behind animals that pulled
the large machines. These were the first riding mowers. Invention.
The first lawn mower was invented by Edwin Budding in 1827 in Thrupp, just outside
Stroud, in Gloucestershire. Budding's mower was designed primarily to cut the grass
on sports grounds and extensive gardens, as a superior alternative to the scythe, and
was granted a British patent on August 31, 1830. Bedding’s first machine was 19
inches (480 mm) wide with a frame made of wrought iron. The mower was pushed
from behind. Cast iron gear wheels 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. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 2.1-An early grass cutting mechanism, showing a fixed cutting blade in front of the rear
roller and wheel-driven rotary blades.

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. In an agreement between John Ferrabee and
Edwin Budding dated May 18, 1830, Ferrate 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 Ransoms 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.
2.2 Further improvements
It took ten more years and further innovations to create a machine that could be drawn
by animals, and sixty years before a steam-powered lawn mower was built. In the
1850s, Thomas Green & Son of Leeds introduced a mower called the Silens Messor
(meaning silent cutter), which used a chain to transmit power from the rear roller to
the cutting cylinder. These machines were lighter and quieter than the gear driven
machines that preceded them, although they were slightly more expensive. The rise in
popularity of lawn sports helped prompt the spread of the invention. Lawn mowers
became a more efficient alternative to the scythe and domesticated grazing animals.
Manufacture of lawn mowers took off in the 1860s. By 1862, Ferrabee's company was
making eight models in various roller sizes. He manufactured over 5000 machines
until production ceased in 1863. The first grass boxes were flat trays but took their
present shape in the 1860s. James Sumner of Lancashire patented the first steam-
powered lawn mower in 1893. His machine burned petrol and/or paraffin (kerosene)
as fuel. These were heavy machines that took several hours to warm up to operating
pressure. After numerous advances, these machines were sold by the Stott Fertilizer
and Insecticide Company of Manchester and Sumner. The company they both
controlled was called the Leyland Steam Motor Company.
Around 1900, one of the best known English machines was the Ransoms' Automaton,
available in chain- or gear-driven models. Numerous manufacturers entered the field
with petrol (gasoline)-driven mowers after the start of the 20th century. The first was
produced by Ransomes in 1902. JP Engineering of Leicester, founded after World
War I, produced a range of very popular chain driven mowers. About this time, an
operator could ride behind animals that pulled the large machines. These were the first
riding mowers.
The first United States patent for a reel lawn mower was granted to Amariah Hills on
January 12, 1868. In 1870, Elwood McGuire of Richmond, Indiana designed a
human-pushed lawn mower, which was very lightweight and a commercial success.
John Burr patented an improved rotary-blade lawn mower in 1899, with the wheel
placement altered for better performance. Amariah Hills went on to found the
Archimedean Lawn Mower Co. in 1871.
 Fig. 2.2-Commercial grass cutting mechanism is used in April 1930 in Berlin.

For centuries, grass was cut by workers who walked through pastures or fields
wielding small, sharp scythes. In addition to being tiring and slow, manual cutting
was ineffective—the scythes worked well only when the grass was wet. The first
mechanical grass-cutting device appeared in 1830, when an English textile worker
named Edwin developed a mower allegedly based on a textile machine used to shear
the nap off of cloth. Budding's cylindrical mower was attached to a rear roller that
propelled it with a chain drive, and it shaved grass with a curved cutting edge attached
to the cylinder. He created two sizes, large and small. The large mower had to be
drawn by horses, whose hooves were temporarily shod with rubber boots to prevent
them from damaging the turf; the head gardener at the London Zoo was among the
first to purchase this model. Budding marketed the smaller mower to country
gentlemen, who would, he claimed, "find in [his] machine an amusing, useful and
healthful exercise."
Mechanized grass cutting was evidently slow to catch on, perhaps because Budding's
mower was quite heavy in addition to being inefficiently geared. Only two lawn
mower manufacturers exhibited their machines at England's Great Exhibition in
1851.(fig. 4) However, several decades later the new machines experienced a surge in
popularity due to the interest in lawn tennis that arose in England during the late
Victorian period. Before the turn of the century, Budding's initial designs were
improved.

Weighing considerably less than their predecessors and based on the side wheel
design still used in today's most popular mowers, these refined machines were soon
visible in yards throughout England.
The earliest gas-driven lawn mowers were designed in 1897 by the Benz Company of
Germany and the Coldwell Lawn Mower Company of New York. Two years later an
English company developed its own model; however, none of these companies mass
produced their designs. In 1902 the first commercially produced power mower,
designed by James Edward Ransome, was manufactured and sold. Although
Ransom’s mower featured a passenger seat, most early mowers did not, and even
today the most popular models are pushed from behind.
Power mowers are presently available in four basic designs: the rotary mower, the
power reel mower, the riding mower, and the tractor. Because the rotary mower is by
far the most common, it is the focus of this entry. Pushed from behind, rotary mowers
feature a single rotating blade enclosed in a case and supported by wheels. As the
engine turns, it spins the blade. The blade whirls at 3,000 revolutions per minute,
virtually 19,000 feet (5,800 meters) per minute at the tip of the blade where the
cutting actually occurs. The best rotaries feature a horn of plenty (cornucopia) or wind
tunnel shape curving around the front of the housing and ending at the discharge chute
through which the mown grass flies out. Self-propelled models are driven by a chain
or belt connected to the engine's drive shaft.[5] A gearbox usually turns a horizontal
axle which in turn rotates the wheels. Some models have a big chain- or belt-driven
movable unit that rises up off and settles down on the wheels.
The power reel mower features several blades attached at both ends to drums that are
attached to wheels. The coupled engine drive shaft that spins the reel can also be
rigged to propel the mower, if desired. Overlapping the grass, this machine's five to
seven blades pull it against a cutting bar at the bottom of the mower. Then one or
more rollers smooth and compact the clippings as the mower goes over them. Reel
mowers are more efficient than rotary mowers because the latter actually use only the
end of the blade to do most of the cutting, whereas the fixed blades in a reel mower
cut with the entire length of both edges. However, rotary mowers are easier to
manufacture because the basic design is simpler, and they are also favored over reel
mowers on most types of turf. By industry estimates, most of the 40 million mowers
in use on any given summer Saturday are rotary mowers.
Rotary mowers were not developed until engines were small enough and powerful
enough to run the blades at a high speed. Many people experimented with rotary
blades in the late 1920s and early 1930s, and Power Specialties Ltd. introduced a
gasoline-powered rotary mower. The story of one experiment in the design of rotary
mowing equipment is that of C C Stacy, a farmer in the Midwest region of the United
States. His concept was the use of a toothed circular saw blade mounted horizontally
on a vertical shaft, which would be suspended at a height of approximately 2 inches
(50 mm) and moved across a lawn to cut grass and other lawn vegetation at a uniform
height. The power for his experimental mower was an electric motor. The success of
Stacy's design was limited by two factors: the relatively small diameter of the saw
blades he used for his experiments, which were about 8 inches (200 mm); and the fact
that toothed circular saw blades are not an ideal tool for cutting free-standing grass
and other plants. Stacy did not come up with any idea for a cutter similar to modern
rotary mower straight blades, and soon dropped his experiments with rotary mowing.

2.3 Grass cutting lawn mower mechanism

2.3.1 Cylinder or reel 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.
 Fig 2.3-cylindrical or reel mower grass cutting mechanism
The basic push mower mechanism is also used in gangs towed behind a tractor. The
individual mowers are arranged in a "v" behind the tractor with each mower's track
slightly overlapping that of the mower in front of it. Gang mowers are used over large
areas of turf such as sports fields or parks.

2.3.2 Rotary grass cutting lawn mower mechanism:-

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. Most rotary
mowers need to be set a little higher than cylinder equivalents to avoid scalping and
gouging of slightly uneven lawns, although some modern rotaries are fitted with a rear
roller to provide a more formal striped cut. These machines will also tend to cut lower
(13 mm) than a standard four-wheeled rotary.
 Fig. 2.4-rotary grass cutting lawn mower mechanism

2.3.3. Gasoline lawn mower grass cutting mechanism

Most rotary push mowers are powered by internal combustion engines. Such engines
are usually four-stroke engines, used for their greater torque. (Although a number of
older models used two-stroke engines), running on gasoline (petrol) or other liquid
fuels. Internal combustion engines used with lawn mowers normally have only one
cylinder. Power generally ranges from two to seven horsepower (1.5 to 6.75 kW). The
engines usually have a carburetor and require a manual pull crank to start them,
although starters offered on some models. Some mowers have a throttle control on the
handlebar with which the operator can adjust the engine speed.
 FIG 2.5-The first gasoline-powered lawn mower grass cutting mechanism, 1902.

Other mowers have a fixed, pre-set engine speed. Gasoline mowers have the
advantages over electric mowers of greater power and distance range. They do create
pollution due to the combustion in the engine,(Fig. 5) and their engines require
periodic maintenance such as cleaning or replacement of the spark plug and air filter,
and changing the engine oil.

2.3.4 Electric lawn mower grass cutting mechanism:-

Electric mowers are further subdivided into corded and cordless electric models. Both
are relatively quiet, typically producing less than 75 decibels, while a gasoline lawn
mower can be as loud as 95 decibels or more.

Fig 2.6-electric lawn mower mechanism

2.3.5 Commercial mower

In the 1850s, Thomas Green & Son of Leeds introduced a mower called the
SilensMessor (meaning silent cutter), which used a chain to transmit power from the
rear roller to the cutting cylinder. These machines were lighter and quieter than the
gear driven machines that preceded them, although they were slightly more
expensive. The rise in popularity of lawn sports helped prompt the spread of the
invention. Lawn mowers became a more efficient alternative to the scythe and
domesticated grazing animals.

FIG 2.7- COMMERCIAL LAWN MOWER GRASS CUTTING MECHANISM

2.3.6 Petrol Lawn Mower grass cutting mechanism

These lawn mowers fall under the rotary type mowers. They are powered by internal
combustion engines. Such engines can be either two-stroke or four-stroke cycle
engines, running on gasoline or other liquid fuels. Internal combustion engines used
with lawn mowers normally have only one cylinder. Power generally ranges from
two to seven horsepower (1.5 to 5.25 kW). Petrol lawn mowers come in both the 2
stroke and 4 stroke cycle engines;
 2 stroke lawn mowers are more powerful, less expensive, have a better power
to weight ratio, and can be operated in any orientation. However, they are also
louder, less fuel efficient, and do not last as long due to the high revolving
engine. They also require the petrol to be mixed with oil prior to use in order
to lubricate the engine.
 4 stroke lawn mowers by comparison are not as powerful, but contain an oil
sump (a separate oil chamber) and don't need the fuel to be pre-mixed. This
saves the operator from mixing the fuel but it also means that the mower
 cannot be tipped. On one side as it will cause the oil to fall out of the sump
into the fuel chamber.

FIG 2.8-PETROL LAWN MOWER GRASS CUTTING MECHANISM

2.3.7 HOVER LAWN MOWER GRASS CUTTING MECHANISM

Hover mowers are powered rotary push mowers that use a turbine above the
spinning blades to drive air downwards, thereby creating an air cushion that lifts
the mower off the ground like a hovercraft. The operator can then easily move
the mower as it floats over the grass. Hover mowers can also be applied to very
long grass and even light scrub, since their lightness permits most operators to
lift the mower up and then let it sink slowly down while the blades progressively
chop up the vegetation.
 FIG 2.9-HOVER LAWN MOWER GRASS CUTTING MECHANISM

2.3.8 solar power lawn mower mechanism

The lifting action is made even easier when the mower is swung around with the
handle held against the operator's mid-body to provide leverage. The action of
air lifting the mower off the grass makes it hover a few centimeters above the
ground thus making it very easy to push around the gardenand, providing that
you are not interested in getting stripe.
for future. Solar grass cutter consists of solar panel of 5w that charge the battery
using charge controller.

FIG 2.10- SOLAR POWER LAWN MOWER

CHAPTER 3
SCOTCH YOKE MECHANISM

3.1 Introduction
Moving the grass cutters with a standard motor powered grass cutters is an
inconvenience, and no one takes pleasure in it. Cutting grass cannot be easily
accomplished by elderly, younger, grass cutter moving with engine create noise
pollution due to the loud engine, and local air pollution due to the combustion in the
engine. Also, a motor powered engine requires periodic maintenance such as
changing the engine oil. Even though electric solar grass are environmentally friendly,
they too can be an inconvenience. Along with motor powered grass cutter, electric
grass cutters are also hazardous and cannot be easily used by all. Also, if the electric
grass cutter is corded, mowing could prove to be problematic and dangerous. The
prototype will also be will be charged from sun by using solar panels.
Fig 3.1-SOLAR GRASS CUTTER WITH LINEAR BLADE IN SCOTH YOKE MECHANIS

Solar energy is very large, inexhaustible source of energy. The power from the
sun interrupted by earth is approximately 1.8/10MW, which are many thousands
of times larger than the present consumption rate on the earth of all energy
sources. The quantum of energy India’s land area receive from sun is equivalent
to 15,000 time sits consumption requirement (500 billion kWh) as projected for
2004. In addition to its size, solar energy has two other factors in its favor.
Firstly, unlike fossil fuels and nuclear power, it is an environmentally clean source
of energy. Secondly, it is free and available in adequate quantities in almost all
parts of the world people live. But there are some problems associated with its.
The real challenge in utilizing solar energy is of and economic concern. One has
to strive for the development of cheaper methods of collection and storage so
 that large initial investments required at preset in most applications are
reduced, solar energy in India:

A large amount of solar radiation fall on India and for most of the country very
few days are without sunshine. India lies within the latitude of 7 N to and 37 N with
annual average intensity of solar radiation as500 to 600 cal/cm/day with more such
insulations available in arid and semi arid regions. Average solar radiation falling
on India in arid and semiarid regions is 7.5 K w h/m/day. Solar energy 5× 10 K w
h/year potential to meet basic energy needs of teeming millions who live in rural
India.
Solar energy is an important, clean, cheap and abundantly available
renewable energy. The sun radiates heat and light. The heat, light received from
the sun supports the environment on the earth through the following well known
natural effects.
 Temperature balance on the earth
 Photo-synthesis by biological plants production of oxygen and organic
materials, production of organic chemicals and bio- mass.
 Wind due to unequal heating of water, land surfaces.
 Heating of ocean water: ocean thermal energy (OTEC)
 Waves in ocean: ocean wave energy
 Tides in ocean: ocean tidal energy (due to gravitational forces)

The sun produces enormous amount of energy of heat and light through sustained
nuclear fusion reactions. The solar energy received on the earth in the form of
radiation is used for heating and producing an electrical energy.
Among the non-conventional sources of energy solar energy is the most promising.
Hence our project is based on the solar energy conversion to mechanical energy to run
a normal grass cutter.

3.2 PROBLEMS IDENTIFICATION

 Earlier most of the activities are done by manually. Gradually so many big
and small equipments are developed to ease human activities ,thus to reduce the
human efforts to do the things . Now a day’s most of the activities which included
human efforts are either replaced or automated by the use of machines or other
kinds of equipments. Skilled persons are required for conventional grass cutter
.why because here we uses animals like bulls .now a days the technology is
developed in other hands skilled persons with convention grass cutter were
decreased. Now we have a need to depend on the technology. Due to the risk
involved in a conventional grass cutter, now days very few peoples coming
forward to grass cutting by conventional grass cutter .moreover, educational
background of Indian youth is improving. So most of people hesitate to use
conventional grass cutter.

3.3 Solar Panel:

3.3.1 Photovoltaic principles:

The photo- voltaic effect can be observed in nature in a variety of materials

that have shown that the best performance in sunlight is the semiconductors
as stated above. When photons from the sun are absorbed in a semiconductor,
that create free electrons with higher energies than the created there must be an
electric field to induce these higher energy electrons to flow out of the semi-
conductor to do useful work. A junction of materials, which have different
electrical properties, provides the electric field in most solar cells for the photon
interaction in a semiconductor. A solar cell consists of Semi –conductor in which
electron hole pairs are created by the absorption of incident solar radiation.
Region containing a drift field for charge separation. Charge collecting front
and back electrodes

3.3.2 Photovoltaic effect

The photo-voltaic effect can be described easily for p-n junction in a semi-
conductor. In an intrinsic semi-conductor such as silicon, each one of the four
valence electrons of the material atom is tied in a chemical bond, and there are no
free electrons at absolute zero. If a piece of such a material is doped on one side
by a five valance electron material, such as arsenic or phosphorus, there will be an
excess of electrons in that side, becoming an n-type semi- conductor. The excess
electrons will be practically free to move in the semi-conductor lattice. When a
three valance electron material, such as boron dopes the other side of the same piece,
there will be deficiency of electrons leading to a p-type semi-conductor. This
deficiency is expressed in terms of excess of holes free to move in the lattice. Such a
piece of semi- conductor with one side of the p-type and the other, of the n-type is
called p-n junction. In this junction after the protons are absorbed, the free
electrons of the n-side will tends to flow to the p-side, and the holes of the p-side
will tend to flow to the n-region to compensate for their respective deficiencies. This
diffusion will create an electric field from the n- region to the p-region. This field
will increase until it reaches equilibrium for voltage, the sum of the diffusion
potentials for holes and electrons. If electrical contacts the connected through an
external electrical conductor, the free electrons will flow fr

Fig 3.2-photovoltaic effect

 free electrons with higher energies than the created there must be an electric field
to induce these higher energy electrons to flow out of the semi-conductor to do
useful work. A junction of materials, which have different electrical properties,
provides the electric field in most solar cells for the photon interaction in a
semiconductor. Semi –conductor in which electron hole pairs are created by the
absorption of incident solar radiation. Region containing a drift field for charge
separation. Charge collecting front and back electrodes the n-type material
through the conductor to the p- type material as shown in the figure. Here the free
electrons will enter the holes and become bound electrons thus both free electrons
and holes will be removed. The flow of electrons through the external conductor
constitutes an electric current, which will continue as long as move free electrons
and holes are being formed by the solar radiation. This is the basis of photo-
voltaic conversion that is the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.
The combination of n-type and p-type semiconductors thus constitutes a photo-
voltaic cell or solar cell. All such cells some rate direct current that can be
converted into alternating current it desired. The photo-voltaic effect can be
observed in almost any junction of material that have different electrical
characteristics, but the best performance to date has been from cells using
semiconductor material especially all of the solar cells used for both space and
terrestrial applications have been made of the semiconductor silicon. Future cells
may use such materials as the semiconductors like Gallium arsenate,
copper sulphate cad sulphide etc.

3.3.3 SPECFICATIONS:

 Array size : 67×60cm

 Maximum Power : 50W
 Maximum Voltage : 12V
 Maximum Current : 2.9A
 No of modules :1
3.4 Scotch yoke mechanism

Fig 3.3-animated view of scotch yoke mechanism

The Scotch yoke (also known as slotted link mechanism) is a

reciprocating motion mechanism, converting the linear motion of a slider into
rotational motion or vice versa. The piston or other reciprocating part is directly
coupled to a sliding yoke with a slot that engages a pin on the rotating part. The
shape of the motion of the piston is a pure sin wave over time given a constant
rotational speed.

Fig 3.4 SCOTCH YOKE MECHANISM

3.5 Application

This setup is most commonly used in control valve actuators in high pressure oil and
gas pipelines. Although not a common metalworking machine nowadays, crude
shapers can use a Scotch yoke. Almost all those use a Whitworth linkage, which
gives a slow speed forward cutting stroke and a faster return. It has been used in
various internal combustion engines, such as the Bourke engine and many hot air
engines and steam engines.The term scotch yoke continues to be used when the slot in
the yoke is shorter than the diameter of the circle made by the crank pin. For
example, the side rods of a locomotive may have scotch yokes to permit vertical
motion of intermediate driving axles.

3.6 Future Work

Completed our project successfully with the available sources. But the
results and modifications are not up to the expectations. This can be further
improved by incorporating the following modifications to obtain better results.
The mechanism which we used ie scotch yoke mechanism does not given
excepted efficiency. This efficiency can be increased by using some other
mechanism. and speed of motor is reduce because we have used heavy material
and this material can be replaced by using light weight material .and design of
blades should be done based on types of grass is used to cut. the grass can be
trimmed with minimum cost and with minimum time Finally this project may
give an inspiration to the people who can modify and can obtain better results.
CHAPTER 4
MATERIALS AND METHODS USED IN GRASS
CUTTING MECHANISM

4.1 Materials in grass cutting mechanism

The main parts of a cylinder or reel mower are:-
4.1.1 Blade in grass cutting mechanism - Consist of blades that are attached to a
vertically rotating shaft, to the downward direction. The blades rotate, creating a
cutting motion.(fig. 6)
 FIG4.1- A High-Carbon Steel Cutting Blade

It’s important to cut lawn, with a sharp blade as blunt blades can rip or tear grass from
the roots, damaging our greenery and causing our lawn to become patchy over time.
Size: - 13 inches, Metal: - The blade is made of Steel.
4.1.2 Body frame - The main structural frame of the mower onto which the other
parts of the mower are mounted. The frame is that provides a base unit that all of the
components/subsystems are mounted on. The hollow Iron piped frame will be
designed to provide adequate sectioning for the separate subsystems. The rear wheel
motors are mounted to the rear exterior section of the frame. The Batteries will have a
separate compartment for mounting and secured safely.
The Frame is to be composed of 1.5”x2.5”. Hollow Iron pipe was chosen due to its
strength and availability.

4.1.3 Wheels - These help propel the mower in action. Generally, our lawn mowers
have four wheels. The diameter of the wheel is 8 inches.(Fig. 7)
 FIG 4.2-A Base Frame with Four Wheels of the Lawn Mower

The wheels having rubber gripped, for better moving on grass. We are using wooden
wheels for reducing the cost of lawn mower.
4.1.4 Push handles in grass cutting mechanism - The "power source" of a manually
operated mower. (Fig.8) .This is a sturdy U-shaped handle that is connected to the
frame, wheels and blade chamber. The length of push handle is 36 inches.

FIG 4.3-A push Handle of the Lawn Mower

The hollow Iron piped push handle will be designed to provide adequate sectioning
for the separate subsystems.

4.2 Methods of Use

4.2.1 Starting the mechanism:-
Press the main Switch, to give the power supply from the battery to the electric motor,
for start the rotation of the cutting blade.
4.2.2 Moving the mechanism:-
Place the lawnmower on the edge of the lawn, switch on the lawnmower and walk
through the lawn. When mowing do not allow the motor to labor particularly in heavy
conditions. When the motor labors the speed of the motor drops and you will hear a
change in the motor sound, when this occurs stop mowing, release the switch lever
and raise the height of cut. Failure to do so will reduce area of cut and could damage
the product or battery.
Protect the battery from heat, for example, also the continuous exposure to sun
radiation and fire. Product will not function if temperature is below 0 ℃ or above
45℃. Do not leave the battery in the mower in direct sunlight.
4.2.3 Area of cut (battery duration):-
 The area of cut (battery duration) depends on lawn conditions, grass density,
moisture content, grass length and height of cut.
 Switching the product on and off frequently during cutting will also reduce the
area of cut (battery duration).
 To improve the area of cut (battery duration) it is recommended to cut more
frequently, raise the cutting height and walk at a normal pace.
4.2.4 Setting the cutting depth:-
Switch off the motor and remove the contact key. Push the adjust lever out to the
direction of wheel. The Maximum cutting height is 3.5 inches.
4.2.5 Maintenance:-
Caution! Before carrying out maintenance or cleaning work:
 Remove the contact key.
 Remove the battery.
 Do not touch rotating blades.
3.2.6 Replacing the cutting blade:-
To replace the blade, proceed as follows:
 Loosen the nut and washer please in the middle of the blade.
 Remove the old blade and replace it with a new Cutting knife.
 Place washer and then nut and tighten everything tight.
  Check to see if the blade can rotate freely.
4.2.7 Cleaning Blade:-
Grass collector and underbody should be cleaned after used each time. Use a piece of
wood and a cleaning rag. Caution! Wear gloves when doing this work. Never use
water jet or high pressure cleaning. Aggressive or corrosive cleaners should not be
used.
CONCLUSION

A lawn mower which is simply called a grass cutter machine become very popular
today and it very commonly used for furnishing soft grasses. Now it is necessary for
cleaning gardens. Since it is easily operating machine so now it is used for various
applications.
REFERENCES
(1) Kinnander, Ola (October 25, 2012). "Rise of the Lawn-Cutting Machines".
Bloomberg Businessweek.
(2) Everett G., "Improvement in Lawn-Mowers", published 23 February 1869, see
Page 1.
(3) The Old Lawnmower Club. "Mower History". Retrieved 2011-04-23.
(4) "The Hall & Duck Trust: Lawn Mower History Part 2". Hdtrust.co.uk. Retrieved
2011-04-23.
(5) Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National Ockham's Razor, first
broadcast 6 June 2010.
(6) Hessayon, D.G. (2007) the Lawn Expert. Tran’s world Publishers, London.
(7) "Instruction Manual", web: MM Home-PDF.
(8) "OM, Black Bear ZTR", 2008, web: Deter-manual.
(9) Hollis, Scott. "Cordless electric lawn mowers: these battery-powered machines are
clean, quiet and easy to maintain." Mother Earth News 209 (April–May 2005): 67(4).
General Reference Center Gold. Gale. Fairfax County Public Library. 7 Apr. 2009.