1. QUESTION AND ANSWER

Machine Specifications

Sl.No	Questions	Answer	Objective / Constraint
1.	Should the machine be automatic or manual?	The machine should be semiautomatic	Objective
2.	Should the machine be fixed or portable?	The machine should be portable	Objective
3.	What should be the maximum weight of the machine?	Less than 15 kg	Constraint
4.	What should be the size of the machine?	Dimensions: 2 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft	Constraint
5.	How much grain should be processed per hour?	At least 20 kg of grain per hour	Constraint

2. BASIC SURVEY AND REQUIRMENTS

Survey Observations & Requirements

Sl.No	Observation from Surveys	Requirements
1.	Size and Portability	The machine should have a compact footprint, suitable for small to medium farms, and be easy to move.
2.	Sorting Efficiency / Accuracy	The machine should achieve at least 95% to 98% accuracy in separating impurities (chaff, stones, damaged grains) from good grains.
3.	Throughput Capacity	The system should be able to process and sort a minimum of 50 to 100 kg of grain per hour.
4.	Cost and Maintenance	The machine should be affordable for small-scale farmers and built with easily available, low-maintenance parts.
5.	Material Food Safety	Materials coming into contact with food must be made of food-grade, non-toxic components.

3. IDENTIFYING CLIENTS OBJECTIVE

1.3 Identifying Client's Objectives

Step 1: Prepare a list of design objectives

Table 3: Objectives identified

Sl.No	Objectives
01	Machine should have high sorting accuracy to effectively remove impurities.
02	Machine should have an optimal processing throughput capacity.
03	Machine should be adaptable to different types and sizes of grains.
04	Machine should be easy to clean and maintain to prevent cross-contamination.
05	Machine should be energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate.

Problem definition version 1.1

Design a automatic grain sorter machine which is able to accurately sort the grains based on size and colour and efficiently control the grain flow using basic sensors during operation and using simple controller.

4. IDENTIFY CONSTRAINTS

1.4 Identify constraints

Step 1: Prepare a list of design constraints

Table 4: Identified Constraints

Sl.No	Constraints
01	Dimensions should be within 5 cubic ft.
02	Machine should sort at least 2 kg of grains per minute.
03	The machine should work for 3 HRS continuously.
04	Machine should be durable for at least 8 to 10 harvesting seasons.
05	Cost of the machine should be within Rs-4000.

Problem definition version 1.2

Design a automatic grain sorter machine to accurately sort the grains based on size and colour and efficiently control the grain flow using basic sensors during operation and using simple controller.The machine must satisfy practical limitations capable of handling 2-3 types of grain, size of about 4 sq.ft., weight of around 3-4 kg and with a tight budget of around less than 4000,safe construction and portability.

5. ESTABLISHED FUNCTIONS

Table 5: Identified Functions

Sl.No	Functions
01	Feed and distribute raw grains evenly into the machine.
02	Illuminate the grain flow uniformly to ensure clear visibility.
03	Detect defective grains, color variations, and foreign impurities using optical sensors.
04	Process sensor data in real-time to distinguish between accepted and rejected grains.
05	Eject contaminants and defective grains using targeted high-speed pneumatic air jets.
06	Separate and route the accepted high-quality grains to the primary discharge chute.
07	Indicate operational status, sorting metrics, and system errors to the user.
08	Collect and contain dust and micro-particles generated during sorting processes.

PROBLEM DEFENITION VERSION 1.3

"Design a automatic grain sorter machine to accurately sort the grains based on size and colour and efficiently control the grain flow using basic sensors during operation and using simple controller.The machine should store grains in a hopper, must satisfy practical limitations capable of handling 2-3 types of grain, size of about 4 sq.ft., weight of around 3-4 kg and with a tight budget of around less than 4000 ,safe construction and portability. The machine should operate automatically, provide electrical power and appropriate safety protection and indicate readiness and completion of sorting through LED or buzzer indications. "