DEVELOPMENT OF A SPRING-LOADED PRESSING SYSTEM AND HUSK DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR A COCONUT DEHUSKING MACHINE

Abstract

The previously developed coconut dehusking machine showed operational limitations because the pressing mechanism required operator assistance and the removed husk was not continuously discharged. This study developed and functionally validated an integrated spring-loaded pressing mechanism and belt conveyor-based husk disposal system intended to stabilize coconut movement and maintain a clear dehusking area. The engineering-development process comprised problem identification, computer-aided design, fabrication and assembly, machine testing, and descriptive data analysis. The pressing subsystem used a tension spring, rollers, a belt, and bolt-type lugs to maintain contact with the coconut, whereas the disposal subsystem used a belt conveyor positioned below the dehusking zone. Functional testing was conducted with ten mature coconuts with circumferences of 54.5–57.0 cm. The mean dehusking time was 8.85 s (SD = 0.80 s; range = 7.71–10.27 s). During the reported trials, the pressing mechanism maintained contact and guided coconut rotation, while the conveyor transported the removed husk to the collection area without reported manual clearing during the dehusking cycle. These findings demonstrate successful integration and proof-of-function under the tested conditions; they do not establish comparative performance improvement because no baseline machine was tested concurrently. Further work should quantify capacity, durability, energy use, safety, and performance across a wider range of coconut characteristics and operating conditions.