Development of a Semi-automatic, Portable Coconut De-husking Machine.

Abstract

Coconut de-husking is a critical yet challenging process in the coconut industry of Sri Lanka, particularly for small scale farmers. In Sri Lanka, traditional methods are widely used but are labour-intensive, inefficient and physically demanding. Existing machine-assisted alternatives often remain costly, complex and unsuitable for small-scale users and huskers. To overcome these limitations, semi-automatic, portable coconut de-husking machine was designed targeting small scale farmers and huskers in Sri Lanka. The machine incorporates a three-arm blade mechanism powered by a linear actuator. The loading and unloading are done manually. The blades penetrate the husk and apply force to split it away from the nut. The mechanism is designed to ensure minimal damage to the nut during the de-husking process. It is fabricated using locally sourced, standard materials. The design is compact to enhance portability because most huskers move from one farm to another to de-husk coconuts. The machine is 1.8 meters in height and weights around 25 kg. With removable support brackets, the machine ensures simple transportation and portability between locations, while allowing for simple assembly and disassembly. Performance tests demonstrated that the machine can process varieties of coconuts and it took 1 minute to de-husk a coconut. This machine offers an efficient, affordable and portable solution for small-scale coconut farmers, improving de-husking productivity and reducing reliance on labour-intensive methods.