Track: Design and Analysis
Abstract
This study work seeks to develop a low cost design of a portable maize shelling machine for small scale farmers by reducing manufacturing cost and thereby making readily available on the market for the ever growing number of maize farmers in Zimbabwe. Three possible solutions were conceptualized, by comparing various parameters and use of a binary dominance matrix; a motor powered, combined de-husker and sheller was chosen for further development. Using locally available materials, explicit specifications of components were provided. SolidWorks 2015 was used to generate both 2D and 3D engineering drawings of the final developed solution. Also some design simulations and economic analysis were done. Estimated manufacturing costs of the product amounted to USD296.