Design and Fabrication of a Novel Automatic Coconut De-husking and Deshelling Machine

School of Mechanical Engineering, The Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Lae, MP411

^* Corresponding author: aezeden.mohamed@pnguot.ac.pg

Abstract

Such an innovative machine integrating dehusking and desshelling operations has been developed in response to the challenges of small scale coconut processors that are necessary to meet the market demands for fast, efficient, and economical coconut processing technologies. The process in general with traditional methods normally becomes very inefficient, with high labor costs and low throughput. The proposed machine is composed of a dehusking unit with the adaptation of the applied force to maximize the dehusking rate and a deshelling unit for breaking the shell in a controlled manner in order to protect the kernel from damage. The machine is equipped with energy efficient components, modular attachments for flexibility and a user friendly control panel to ease its operate and maintenance. The design elements in these two parts of the machine are intended to make the machine both accessible and practical for small scale use. Performance tests prove splendidly more efficient and faster than traditional methods. As this machine successfully reduced labor requirement by X % and energy consumption by Y %, it presents an incredible opportunity to completely revolutionize coconut processing outting a processing rate of up to X coconuts per hour. The end result of such an innovative solution is that it is expected to benefit small scale processors by enhancing productivity, minimizing operational costs and offering a sustainable option as opposed to labor consuming traditional methods, and in line with the ongoing call for technologically modernized agriculture.