Fabrication and performance evaluation of a cost-effective coconut dehusking machine integrating mechanical efficiency, durability, and user-centered design.

Abstract

Coconut dehusking remains one of the most labor-intensive and hazardous operations in coconut processing, traditionally performed using sharp manual tools that pose high risks of injury.While mechanized alternatives exist, many are expensive, energy-intensive, and inaccessible to small-and medium-scale farmers.This creates an urgent need for a cost-effective, efficient, and safe solution that balances affordability with robust performance.Addressing this challenge requires innovations that integrate mechanical efficiency, long-term durability, and user-centered design principles to ensure both functionality and operator acceptance.This study focuses on the fabrication and performance evaluation of a coconut dehusking machine developed using locally available materials and simplified design concepts.The machine incorporates optimized dehusking blades, a reinforced structural frame, and a reliable power transmission system engineered to reduce energy losses.Emphasis was placed on durability through material selection and structural integrity, ensuring the machine withstands repetitive high-load operations common in coconut processing environments.User-centered considerations such as ergonomic handling, ease of maintenance, and operator safety were integrated into the design to encourage adoption in rural communities.Performance evaluation assessed throughput capacity, dehusking efficiency, structural resilience, energy consumption, and user safety under varied test conditions.Results revealed the machine to be highly effective, dehusking coconuts at faster rates while consuming less energy compared to conventional semi-mechanized systems.Its robust construction delivered reliable performance with minimal wear, while ergonomic features significantly reduced operator fatigue and risk.The fabricated machine demonstrates that lowcost mechanization, when guided by efficiency, durability, and user-focused design, can transform coconut processing, improving productivity, safety, and profitability in resource-constrained farming communities.