Conceptual Design of Coconut Dehusking Machine

Abstract

Generally, coconuts are dehusked manually using a machete. These methods require skilled labour and are laborious to use. Attempts made so far in the development of dehusking tools have only been partially successful and not effective in replacing manual methods. The reasons stated for the failure of these tools include unsatisfactory and incomplete dehusking and breakage of the coconut shell while dehusking. Based on this a hand - operated coconut dehusking machine is being designed to solve this problem. This machine takes into consideration the dangers, hazards and risks involved in dehusking the coconut which will be efficient, productive, environmentally friendly, less laborious, easy to use and ergonomic, easy to assemble and disassemble, and most importantly, cost effective in production, maintenance and repairs .The machine will use hydraulic system, including a ram, fed from a pump, which does the dehusking at a rate of 70-80 coconuts per hour.

Keywords: Coconut; Dehusking; Machine; Skilled labour; Manual