A Novel Technique for Implementation of Threaded Rod Based System for Sunflower Seed Extraction

Sunflower is an economically significant and versatile crop cultivated for its nutritious seeds, oil extraction, and ornamental value. The threshing process is a vital step in the extraction of seeds from crops like sunflowers. It entails removing the priceless seeds from the plant's flower heads. In earlier days, seed extraction from sunflowers heavily relied on labor-intensive manual methods, involving the meticulous plucking, drying, beating, and winnowing of sunflower heads to extract the priceless seeds from their blossoms. Sunflower seed extraction by hand presented several difficulties, such as labor-intensiveness, lengthy procedures, and the requirement for careful attention to detail. To increase efficiency and reduce manual labor, the research aims to automate the extraction and collection of sunflower seeds. The system integrates a microcontroller-based controller, a proximity sensor, a conveyor belt, and a threaded rod to achieve a seamless and efficient workflow. The proximity sensor is employed to detect sunflower heads, triggering the extraction process. Once a head is identified, the controller activates the motor which is connected to threaded rods. A threshing process is involved for seed extraction. The seeds are transported to the storage unit to improve the effectiveness of the sunflower seed extraction process. Three parallel rods are positioned one after the other. The collected seeds are then channeled into a designated container, streamlining the collection process. The successful implementation of the proposed process paves the way for advancements in agricultural automation and contributes to a more sustainable and productive farming future.