Kohn, Hayden (2017) Automation & Optimisation of Soil Hardness Testing Device. [USQ Project]
Abstract
This project is based on the automation and optimisation of a soil hardness testing device. Currently there are many different ways which people can test the hardness of their soil and methods differ greatly between the various industries. Grounds managers of sporting ovals and racetracks tend to use simple hand held devices. On the other hand construction workers tend to use hydraulically powered machines which reach further into the ground and can take a larger force. All of these devices require the user to operate them manually and are generally quite slow to use.
This project will look specifically at the methods used in the horse racing industry and ways to improve them. However it is hoped that the design will be versatile in that it can be used across multiple industries and terrain. Current devices used in the industry can be quite inaccurate in their readings and are not very efficient. To cover a large area such as a racetrack it can take a long time to complete, sometimes up to half a day. This makes it an inefficient tool for many applications such as testing the soil hardness of horse racetracks, sporting ovals, farming fields, etc.
In this research project an automated conceptual solution will be designed to reduce the level of human involvement in the measuring process and increase the repeatability of the readings. This will serve to improve the accuracy of the readings as well. A major part of the design will be to enable the machine to produce readings much faster over a larger area, hence improving the efficiency compared to current devices.
The project looks into any relevant technology which could be used to aid in the design rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. The design will include detailed drawings, 3D models, FE analysis and a final review of the conceptual design.
This project, being completed as a requirement of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree, is intended to provide a solution to the lack of suitably efficient and quality devices for measuring soil hardness.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Zeller, Les |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Sep 2022 05:07 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Sep 2022 05:07 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; optimisation; soil hardness testing device |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40870 |
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