The Design and Fabrication of a Dc Powered Melon Sheller

This project focuses on the design and fabrication of a DC-powered melon shelling machine to improve the efficiency and productivity of melon seed shelling, thereby reducing manual labour and increasing the production capacity of small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Melon seed shelling is a crucial process in the production of melon seeds, which are a vital ingredient in various food products. However, the traditional manual method of shelling is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and often results in seed damage. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanized solution to improve the efficiency and productivity of melon seed shelling.This project adopted a design and development approach, involving the conceptualization, design, fabrication, and testing of a DC-powered melon shelling machine. The machine was constructed primarily from mild steel, with additional components such as bolts, nuts, bearings, and a blower. The system is powered by a 12V, 75Ah battery, which gets recharged with the aid of a built-in charging module. The performance of the machine was evaluated through a series of tests, including shelling efficiency, seed damage, and feed rate. The results showed that the machine achieved an average shelling efficiency of 71.8%, an average seed damage of 15.6%, and a feed rate of 55.10 kg/hr. The results of this project demonstrate the potential of the DC-powered melon shelling machine to improve the efficiency and productivity of melon seed shelling. The machine's cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and ease of operation make it a viable solution for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The successful development and testing of this machine provide a significant contribution to mechanized agriculture, improving efficiency and reducing manual labor in melon seed shelling. This project has the potential to transform the melon seed production industry in Nigeria, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, this project demonstrates the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing the challenges faced by small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The development of this machine highlights the potential for indigenous innovation to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria. In conclusion, this project has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of designing and fabricating a DC-powered melon shelling machine for improved efficiency and productivity in melon seed shelling. The machine's performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation make it a viable solution for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria