Design and Performance Assessment of a Combined Grater and Milk Extraction Mechanism for Coconut Meat

Abstract

Coconut meat processing in the Philippines is considered to be labor and energy intensive. Using traditional methods such as grating and milk extraction consumes more time, with safety issue with the operators and low efficiency. This study was aimed to design and fabricate an innovative machine that will solve the problems of small - scale coconut industry in the Philippines with the help of engineering applications. The study aimed to increase the time efficiency of the coconut milking process by combining the coconut grating and milk extraction in one mechanism and improving the existing design of the coconut grating mechanism. Another objective was to increase the overall efficiency by using a proper milk extractor mechanism. Lastly, the study aimed to improve the existing design of the coconut grating mechanism to lessen the occurrence and possibility of having physical injuries from using the said mechanism. The target beneficiary of the study was the market of the coconut industry in San Pablo City, Laguna. One horsepower motor was used to run the combined mechanisms. Welding, milling, grinding, drilling, boring was done to fabricate the prototype. A screw type compressor for coconut milking process was used to increase the efficiency of the milking process. An emergency brake was provided to ensure the safety of the workers. Belts, pulleys, bearings, coconut grater, sprockets, screen, bolts and screws were used on the prototype. After testing, it was found out that there is reduction of 15.63% in time processing the coconut compared to the traditional piston press that was used mostly in the local market. It was also observed to have an average efficiency of 47.5% with screw press efficiency of 32.5%.