Autonomous Sprinkler System

Autonomous Robotics Sprinkler SystemTeam 10:Frank AzcuyArmando CamachoBenjamin Sturman

FIU Department of Mechanical EngineeringMiami, FloridaEML4551 - Spring 2015Advisor: Dr. Sabri Tosunoglu

Problem StatementCurrent conventional automated sprinkler systems are expensive

Do not always provide full coverage

Loss of time while maintaining lawn

Irregularity of watering intervals

MotivationCurrent conventional systems are wasteful and inefficientDecrease water waste

Design a reasonable cost system for lawn care

Take advantage of recent robotic advancements

Project ObjectivesProvide a new cost effective autonomous sprinkler robot

A robot that will be able to detect the overall landscape in order to water entire lawn

Self charging to remain completely autonomous and provide the convenience of current standard systems

Literature SurveyFew products on the market (Droplet Robotic Sprinkler, Water Walker System)High cost sprinkler systemCurrent sprinkler robots are not fully autonomous

Literature SurveyUtilize similar concepts as autonomous vacuum cleanersInstead of cleaning floor, an area will be wateredThese robots room memory, self docking, and object avoidance systems show that it is feasible

Literature SurveyDeep watering a lawn requires at least 1 inch of water per square foot.The average residential flow rate and pressure depends on the size of the residenceAverage pressure ranges from 35-60 psi

Survey of Related StandardsARSS will adhere to:The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO)Procedures for safe operation of robots and end usersIrrigation Associations (IA)Distribute water safely and efficiently while adhering to local regulationsThe Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)Standards and safety of electronic systems

Constraints and ConsiderationsMust be lightweight and powerful to carry a length of hose

Must be able to keep the hose connection always pointing towards base to prevent tangling

Must be exposure proof and handle various terrains effectively

Design Alternatives 1 & 2Mecanum wheels allow for horizontal strafing

Complicated and expensive

Provide insufficient traction for surfaces that are not flat

3 wheel omnidirectional drivetrain

Each wheel is angled allowing robot to move side to side

Insufficient traction for surfaces that are not flat Design Alternative 32 wheel drivetrain, each are powered

Circular Roomba chassis

Home docking station

Less maneuverability, more traction

Proposed DesignBodyCircular Chassis

Powerful 2 wheel drivetrain

Lightweight for easy transport

Solar powered charging dock

Weather and exposure proof

Proposed DesignIrrigation SystemRotating sprinkler head

Rotating sprinkler base to prevent tangling

Hose retrieval system

Variable water valve

Proposed Design

Proposed DesignSoftwareCollision detection

Humidity Detection

Cliff (Pool) detection

Emergency water cut-off

Multiple programmable yard profiles

Design Studies and SimulationSimulations to be conducted:StructuralVibrationsThermal Fluid mechanicsDrop test analysisEnergy consumption will be calculated and simulated.

CalculationsGlobal LearningUse of multi-lingual users manualsUniversal Units (SI, US)Provision of universal power adapters (110/220 volts)Use of industry standard safety warnings