Approach for the Development of PIPV Product in the Context of Rural India – Application of Findings
Step 4. Sandbox iterations and development of the concept
The concept is generated using a PIPV sandbox model in which the parameter boundaries are defined considering user requirements. The concept is generated and iterated with the maximum possible attributes following the boundaries of the sandbox. Figure 6.8 shows the concept sketching iteration in the PIPV sandbox.
Figure 6.8 PIPV spraying device concept iterations in PIPV sandbox.
The concepts generated in iterative sketches using the PIPV sandbox are then explored using CAD software for their 3D visualization. Two concepts are modelled using a 3D CAD tool and rendered for better visualization. Figure 6.9 shows the 3D CAD and rendered visualization of two concepts. While iterating the concepts, the functional improvements are focused on considering parameters like affordability, desirability, scalability, and local manufacturability of the concept. Materials available in the local market are adopted to
improve the sustainability factors in the concept. Several issues like the weight on the back of the user, frequent refilling of the tank, limited battery capacity and affordability are considered for the improvement in generated concepts. Affordability is the primary factor that decides users' acceptance of the solution, especially in the market catering to rural and remote places of India.
Figure 6.9 3D rendered visualization of concepts of PIPV sprayers generated using PIPV sandbox and input information on electronic system design parameters.
From concept one and concept two, the primary cost analysis is done, from which it is observed that the bent frame and cylindrical shape of the tank increase the cost of the product. Also, the special bending of the metal frame facility is difficult to get in local fabrication workshops. The tank and frame used in the concept can be produced at a lower cost. The rectangular shape of the tank makes it modular and replaceable with any similar tank which is commonly available in the market. The PV panel is attached to the front of the product, which has a mechanism to set the angle for charging it. Some of the improvements made are listed below
- The frame and trolley are designed with wheels to avoid lifting heavy weight on the user's back.
- A rectangular tank similar to the tanks available in the market for other purposes is used. It makes the tank capacity adjustable by replacing it with a different tank.
- Tank capacity is increased to 30 litres to avoid the number of refilling.
- PV panel and electronic systems are adopted to charge the battery on farm fields. It avoids the dependence of spraying activity on electricity.
- As there is no weight on the back, the user can handle the long length of the spraying hose to spray the liquid on all the sides of big crops like fruit trees.
- The trolley is designed so that it can be separated from all the mechanisms to use it for other tasks like carrying farm goods.
- The targeted cost of the product is kept in the band of INR 3500/- to 4000/- to ensure its acceptability by users.
Concept one is considered for further prototype development. The manufacturing drawings are generated using CAD tools. Figure 6.10 shows the manufacturing drawings and dimensional details of the concept.
Figure 6.10 2D drawings for the prototyping of the concept.
The concept is then prototyped using a locally available manufacturing setup. The standard mild steel square tube 2.6 mm thick (12 gauge) is used to fabricate the frame. The functional components like the pump, battery and PV panel with defined specifications from the PIPV electronic system design are procured from the market. Below are the steps of prototype execution shown in figures 6.11 and 6.12.
Figure 6.11 procurement of components and fabrication of frame of trolley.
Figure 6.12 Fitment of components on frame and finalization for powder coating
Figure 6.13 shows the final working prototype of the concept. This prototype is tested by its users, and based on their feedback, it is evaluated in the field.
Figure 6.13 Working prototype of PIPV agricultural sprayer concept.
A fully functional prototype is carried to farms for field testing with users to two villages, Sukewadi and Pimpalgaon Konzira of Sangamner tehsil, Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state. The product is tested with farmers from various age groups, including male and female users, to observe its use. Observing users while doing the spraying activity and interviewing them about their thoughts about the product helped collect valuable feedback. The user feedback is collected based on the attributes defined in the spider-web analysis model to know the improvement parameters for the product.
Figure 6.14 shows the testing of the product with farmers, including those above 55 years of age, female farmers and users under the age of 20 years with big and small crops in farm fields. In big crops, the fruit trees of guava and mango were available for spraying, while the small crops of maize, onion and wheat were available for testing. Feedback is recorded on the hard copy forms prepared in the regional Marathi language for the convenience of users. These forms are included in appendix V.
Figure 6.14 A- Testing with big crop guava, B- Testing with Big crop Mango, C- Testing on small crop Maize, D- Testing with the female user on small crop wheat, E- testing with the female farmer on big crops, F- testing with users from age group under 18 years on small crop onion.
A B
C D
E F