VETTE: Navigate Beyond Limits

Para qué sirve

VETTE is an affordable engine-powered cutting tool that attaches to small fishing boats, allowing fishermen to cut through dense water hyacinth and navigate freely without waiting for expensive mass-clearing machines.

Qué te inspiró

Growing up in Kerala, I witnessed how invasive water hyacinth chokes canals, costing local fishermen months of lost income each year. Conversations with affected communities and experts inspired me to design a practical, low-cost tool that puts control back in their hands.

Cómo funciona

Mounted at the front of a fishing boat, VETTE uses a counter-rotating dual-toothed blade system driven by a 4-stroke petrol engine (Honda GX160, Chinese gasoline engines can be used as a cheaper alternative). The blades cut through thick mats of water hyacinth as the fisherman steers from the rear. The adjustable base allows users to set the cutting depth according to plant growth and water conditions. A protective casing inspired by Kerala’s pearl spot fish ensures safety and easy maintenance, while side cushioning prevents boat damage.

Proceso de diseño

I began with community interviews to understand daily challenges and reviewed existing large-scale removal methods. Early sketches explored different shaft and blade arrangements. After testing single vs. dual shafts, I settled on a counter-rotating blade for stability and cutting power. I validated the physics with a mechanical engineer and prototyped toothed vs. plain blades, proving toothed edges worked best. Form and casing were refined for safety, visibility, and durability, using materials suited for water exposure. Throughout, feedback from local fishermen guided usability and cost considerations.

Qué lo hace diferente

Unlike costly mass-eradication machines, VETTE is small, affordable, and mounts directly onto fishermen’s own boats. It enables decentralized, daily clearing without relying on government aid or harmful chemicals. The counter-rotating blade system uniquely balances cutting power and boat stability, while the modular engine can double as other farm or household equipment in the off-season — making it a versatile, low-barrier solution.

Planes para el futuro

Next, I aim to build a working prototype and conduct real-world trials with local fishing communities in Kerala. Feedback will guide refinements for mass production and distribution through local boat motor dealers. Long term, I hope to expand VETTE to other regions facing similar invasive species problems.

Premios

This is my final year project and VETTE has been submitted for the James Dyson Award.