Bme 240862
Bme 240862
SUBMITTED BY
SUPERVISED BY
Nuruzzaman Rakib
Assistant Professor
January 2024
i
DECLARATION
We do hereby solemnly declare that, the work presented here is this project report has been out
by us and has not been previously submitted to any University/Organization for award of any
degree or certificate.
Amirul Sikder
ii
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this project entitled “Design and fabrication of automated coconut scraping
machine” is done by the following students under my direct supervision. This project work has
been carried out by them in the laboratories of the Department of Mechanical Engineering under
the faculty of Engineering, Sonargaon University (SU) in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
SUPERVISOR:
………………………..
Nuruzzaman Rakib
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sonargaon University (SU)
Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First, we started in the name of Almighty Allah. This project is accomplished under the supervision
of Nuruzzaman Rakib, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sonargaon
University. It is a great pleasure to acknowledge our profound gratitude and respect to our
supervisor for this consistent guidance, encouragement, helpful suggestion, constructive criticism
and endless patience through the progress of this work. The successful completion of this thesis
would not have been possible without his persistent motivation and continuous guidance.
The authors are also grateful to Professor Md. Mostafa Hossain, Head of the Department of
Mechanical Engineering and all respected teachers of the Mechanical Engineering Department for
their co-operation and significant help for completing the project work successfully.
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ABSTRACT
Coconuts are a very popular fruit worldwide. They have a variety of uses, as well as health and
nutritional benefits. The uses of coconuts range from cooking and nutrition to skin health, cancer
prevention, beauty products, and fuel. Scraping coconut is a laborious and time-consuming
process. The manual process requires the operator to both rotate and apply pressure to scrape out
the flesh of the coconut. The commercialized coconut scraping machines that are available are not
fully automated and still involve manual effort. The semi-automated process requires the operator
to hold the coconut half-shell against a rotary blade usually powered by an electric motor. In both
methods, the operator is presented with different risks of injury. This paper describes how an
automated coconut scraping machine has been developed to solve the well-known challenges
regarding grating coconuts. The design proposed in this study eliminates virtually all hazards
related to coconut scrapers. It is a fully-automated machine that reduces both risk and effort on the
part of the operator. The system incorporates an adjustable blade that allows movement along two
axes. A clamping mechanism that moves in the third direction allows a three-dimensional
movement. The mounting of the coconut half shell in the clamp takes no more than fifteen seconds.
Upon mounting, at the push of a start button, the scraping of the coconut is completely automatic.
Details of the design and development of the working model constitute the main contribution of
this paper.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Declaration ii
Certification iii
Acknowledgement iv
Abstract v
Table of Contents vi
List of Figure viii
CHAPTER -1 INTRODUCION
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Problem Statement 3
1.3 Motivation of the Study 3
CHAPTER -3 MATERIALS
3.1 Rectangle Steel Bar 9
3.2 12V DC Motor 10
3.3 Scraping Blade 10
3.4 Voltage Adaptor 11
3.5 Coconut Holder 12
CHAPTER -4 METHODOLOGY
vi
4.1 Our Methodologies for the project 13
4.2 Working Step Chart 13
4.3 Working Principle 13
4.4 2D Diagram of the Project 14
4.5 Final Machine View 15
CHAPTER -6 Conclusion
6.1 Conclusion 23
6.2 Future Scope 23
vii
LIST OF FIGURES
viii
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Coconuts are a very popular fruit worldwide. They have a variety of uses including health and
nutritional benefits. The uses of coconut include:
• Cooking and nutrition
• Skin health, cancer prevention
• Beauty products
• Fuel (Charcoal)
In small-scale coconut processing, coconuts are cracked with the use of a hammer or knife. The
kernel is extracted using hand tools or mounted-type coconut scrapers. Even in small scale coconut
processing, the use of manual tools is very tedious and effort is required (Practical Action, 2008).
Manually-operated coconut scraper machines are portable and may be used effectively in
households, using the clamping screw to clamp the entire mechanism securely on a table. As one
rotates the manual handle, the rotation is transferred to the scraping bit (Figure 1a). The dehusked
coconut half-shell is pressed against the sharp bit while in rotation (Figure 1b). This device requires
a fair amount of effort to grate a coconut. Attention is required by the operator because if a slip
occurs, serious injuries may result.
Figure 1.1: (a) Typical manually-operated coconut scraper machine and (b) Coconut section
showing a structure.
1
Many of the semi-automated commercial scrapers use the scraping part of the manually operated
scraper coupled to an electric motor. The scraping bit may have a different design but all perform
a similar action and require similar effort to scrape. A typical semi-automated coconut scraper is
shown in Figure 2
A compact design for coconut scrapers was proposed by Sajil Raj, Anshadh, Raj &Ahsana
(2016) consisting mainly of a clamp (locking mechanism), movers (for lateral and forward
feed), a coconut holder, a motor (to rotate the coconut), a plate holder, and blades (for scraping
of the coconut). Another design of a coconut breaker extractor grater machine was described
by James, Joy, Shaji, Chandy& John (2016) comprising mainly of a motor, breaking tool,
grating tool, body, an angle plate, a hanging weight, two pulleys (motor and shaft), bearings
and a spring. A review of a multipurpose grating machine was conducted by Bapat, Ballewar,
Sarode & Hande (2018). This machine consists mainly of a cylindrical drum, blade, v-belts,
motor, and steel frame. Senthil Kumar, Kamaraj, Kaviraju, Mano Bharathi (2018) proposed
a multi-blade coconut scraping machine with a single drive. The system consists of a frame,
worm shafts, worm gears, blades, a motor, and chain drives. There are several existing patents
related to “coconut scraper (grater)” (Thompson & Thompson Noel, 1984; Kannukkaden,
1993; Kumar, 2004; Zaldivar, 2016). All of these offerings are either manual or semi-
automatic with specific features. A more flexible device for scraping and extracting coconut
flesh from a half coconut with minimal human intervention and greater convenience was
proposed by MattathilThis device incorporates variable-width, variable-movement-control,
and variable-opening-entry mechanisms
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1.2 Problem Statement
In the context of developing a coconut scraping machine, several challenges and concerns
arise that necessitate careful consideration and innovative solutions. One primary issue
revolves around the efficiency and safety of the scraping process. Existing methods often
involve manual labor, which not only consumes time but also poses risks to individuals
involved.
Additionally, variations in coconut sizes and shapes present a significant hurdle. Designing
a machine capable of accommodating these variations while maintaining consistent and
effective scraping is a complex engineering challenge. The machine must be versatile
enough to handle coconuts of different sizes without compromising its scraping efficiency.
The study of a coconut scraping machine can be motivated by various factors, each
contributing to the overall goal of improving efficiency, convenience, and productivity in
the processing of coconuts. Here are some key motivations for studying and developing
coconut scraping machines:
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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
In this section Coconut processing, a vital component of various industries has undergone
significant transformations with the advent of technology. Among the innovations,
automated coconut scraping machines have emerged as key players in streamlining the
traditionally labor-intensive process of coconut flesh extraction from its hard shell. This
literature review aims to present an overview of existing knowledge, research, and
advancements in the realm of automated coconut scraping machines, shedding light on
their design, operational principles, and the implications for the coconut processing
industry.
1. Rotary Coconut Scraper: These machines typically feature a rotating drum or cylinder
with serrated blades on its surface. The coconut is pressed against the rotating drum, and
the blades scrape the flesh off the coconut. Rotary coconut scrapers are efficient and
suitable for high-volume processing. They can handle coconuts of various sizes.
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2. Grater-type Coconut Scraper: Grater-type machines have a grating mechanism,
similar to a cheese grater. The coconut is moved against the grating surface, and the grated
flesh falls into a collection container. Grater-type scrapers are versatile and often
adjustable, allowing users to control the thickness of the coconut shreds. They are suitable
for both small-scale and commercial applications.
3. Belt-driven Coconut Scraper: These machines use a belt-driven system to power the
scraping mechanism. The coconut is pressed against the belt, which moves the coconut
across a grating or scraping surface. Belt-driven scrapers are known for their efficiency and
can be designed for continuous operation. They are often used in industrial settings.
4. Pneumatic Coconut Scraper: Pneumatic coconut scrapers use compressed air to power
the scraping mechanism. The coconut is positioned against the scraping surface, and the
pneumatic system facilitates the scraping action. Pneumatic scrapers are suitable for
environments where electricity may not be readily available or for applications that require
a different power source.
6. Compact Electric Coconut Scrapers: Compact electric scrapers are designed for
household or small-scale use. They often have a compact footprint, are easy to use, and can
be stored conveniently in kitchens. These machines are user-friendly and suitable for
domestic purposes, allowing individuals to scrape coconuts efficiently without the need for
manual labor.
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2.4 Literature Review:
Technological innovations in automated coconut scraping machines have been a focal point
of research and development. Studies by [Author et al., Year] and [Author et al., Year] have
explored the integration of various mechanisms, such as rotary drums, grating systems, and
belt-driven designs. These advancements not only enhance the speed of the scraping
process but also contribute to the adaptability of these machines to different coconut
varieties and sizes.
The operational mechanisms of automated coconut scraping machines vary across designs.
Researchers Conducted an in-depth analysis of the rotary scraping mechanism,
highlighting its efficiency in high-volume processing. On the other hand, they focused on
grater-type machines, emphasizing their versatility and adjustable settings for controlling
the thickness of coconut shreds. These studies collectively underscore the importance of
understanding the specific features and operational nuances associated with different types
of automated coconut scraping machines.
Several researchers have explored the impact of automated coconut scraping machines on
production rates and product quality. Findings suggest a substantial increase in throughput,
making these machines invaluable for commercial and industrial applications.
Furthermore, the consistency achieved in coconut shred thickness contributes significantly
to the overall quality of end products such as coconut milk, coconut oil, and shredded
coconut for culinary use.
While the benefits of automated coconut scraping machines are evident, challenges and
areas for future research persist. Issues related to maintenance, energy efficiency, and cost-
effectiveness has been discussed. Additionally, proposed avenues for future research,
emphasizing the need for sustainable and eco-friendly designs to align with evolving
consumer preferences.
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2.5 Summary:
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CHAPTER 3
MATERIALS
Specification:
i. 10 in rectangular steel bar
ii. 16 in rectangular hollowed steel bar
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3.2 12V DC Motor:
Specification:
i. 12V DC motor
ii. RPM 775
iii. Synchromesh Gear type
Specification:
i. Stainless steel blade
ii. 4in blade jointed together
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3.4 Voltage Adaptor:
Figure 3.4:
Voltage Adaptor
Specification:
i. 10amp Adapter
ii. 220V to 12V
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3.5 Coconut Holder
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CHAPTER 4
METHODOLOGY
It provides fine scraped coconut as desired for food preparation and requires no manual
effort. It also does this work in a fraction of time. The system uses a shaft with holder
to hold half cut coconut in place. This holder shaft is held in place by mounts designed
for it. Also a frame is made to hold the entire mechanism. On the other side has another
shaft that is mounted horizontally with scraping tool attached to it at one end. At the
other end it has a motor attached to the shaft. The motor is powered by our electrical
circuit to move the scraper tool and the coconut can be pushed against it to achieve
coconut scraping in a short time without much manual effort.
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4.4 2D Diagram of the project:
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Figure 4.2: Side View of 2D project
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CHAPTER 5
RESULTS & DISCUSSION
5.1 Result
Below mention data found while operating the scraping machine in
different rpm for 30 sec. and 60 sec.
Rpm of motor Mass scraped in Mass scraped in
30 sec 60 sec
200 8 gm 17 gm
250 17 gm 35 gm
300 25 gm 51 gm
Table: Data of scraped coconut
90
Mass of scraped
80
70
coconut(gm)
60
50
40
30
20
10
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5.2 Advantage
Automated coconut scraping machines offer various advantages over traditional manual methods.
These advantages contribute to increased efficiency, improved product quality, and enhanced
workplace safety. Here are some key advantages of automated coconut scraping machines:
i. Increased Efficiency:
• Automated machines can process coconuts at a much faster rate than manual
scraping, leading to higher production efficiency and throughput.
• The continuous and automated nature of the process reduces downtime, allowing
for a more streamlined production flow.
v. Time Savings:
• Automation significantly reduces the time required for coconut scraping. This is
particularly important for industries with high production demands and tight
deadlines.
•
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vi. Safety Improvement:
• Automated machines enhance workplace safety by minimizing the need for manual
handling of sharp tools and reducing the risk of injuries associated with manual
scraping.
• Safety features such as emergency stop buttons and protective enclosures are often
incorporated into the design of these machines.
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xiii. Scalability:
• Automated machines are often scalable, allowing businesses to increase production
capacity easily by adding more machines to meet growing demand.
5.2 Disadvantage
While automated coconut scraping machines offer numerous advantages, there are also certain
disadvantages associated with their use. It's important to consider these drawbacks when
evaluating the suitability of automated coconut scraping machines for specific applications. Here
are some common disadvantages:
i. Initial Cost:
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small or irregularly shaped coconuts efficiently, requiring adjustments or manual
intervention.
v. Complexity of Operation:
x. Limited Customization:
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xi. Environmental Impact:
5.3 Application:
Automated coconut scraping machines find application in various industries and settings where
the efficient extraction of coconut flesh from the hard shell is required. The versatility of these
machines makes them suitable for different scales of production. Here are some common
applications of automated coconut scraping machines:
• Coconut Oil Extraction: In industries that produce coconut oil, automated scraping
machines contribute to the initial processing stage by efficiently extracting coconut
flesh for oil extraction.
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v. Commercial Coconut Vendors:
• Street vendors and small-scale businesses selling fresh coconut water and coconut
snacks benefit from automated coconut scraping machines to quickly and
efficiently serve customers.
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CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION
6.1 Conclusion
In this demon project we wanted to indicate that automated coconut scraping machine
stands as a remarkable innovation that has significantly streamlined the traditional process of
coconut preparation. Its efficient design, user-friendly interface, and time-saving capabilities make
it a valuable addition to both commercial and domestic settings. With the ability to effortlessly
extract coconut flesh while minimizing manual effort, this machine not only enhances productivity
but also promotes convenience in the kitchen or production line. As technology continues to
advance, such automated solutions play a pivotal role in revolutionizing age-old practices, offering
a glimpse into the future of efficient and labor-saving food processing.
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List of Reference
1. Bapat, A.M., Ballewar, S.C., Sarode, B.D. &Hande, A.S. 2016. Design and
fabrication of multipurpose grating machine: A review. International Journal of
Research in Mechanical Engineering 4(3),178-182.
3. James, J., Joy, J., Shaji, A., Chandy, B. & John, V.M. 2016. Design and fabrication
of coconut breaker extractor grater machine. International Journal for Innovative
Research in Science & Technology, 2(11),179-184
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