Spring: Weeks 1-2

The ESWxBoomitra team has spent time working with the Stanford Farm and in the Product Realization Lab (PRL) the first two weeks of spring quarter. The team is working on two goals concurrently: 

1. Acquire cotton seeds and test the effect of stubble incorporation on the germination of cotton. To that end, the team has secured a planting bed at the O'Donohue Family Farm for testing. 

Courtesy of: www.Amazon.com

2. Complete a preliminary design sketch of the shredder using existing designs and models for shredders. On Tuesday 4/5/2022, the team met at the PRL to research existing designs and discuss the design process. The goal is to develop a prototype that, for the time being, is functional and able to "cut/ shred" simpler materials such as paper, grass, etc...  ​

Below are some of the designs  being considered and will be further explored moving forward.

The team spent time studying various blueprints to further understand the mechanisms driving blade design. The goal is to acquire ready made blades from manufacturers designed for tilling, for use in the prototyping phase:    

Courtesy of: https://www.vintageprojects.com/sites/default/files/articles/RotoTiller.pdf

​The team plans to have a prioritized design sketch by the end of week 2, so that prototyping can begin promptly starting week 3. We are also excited to discuss our design with our community partner, Anirudh, who is a mechanical engineer himself and receive his feedback before prototyping. Planting will likely occur in week 3, after which the team will focus on developing and iterating the prototype in preparation for the week 5 showcase.