JIMMA UNIVERSITY

JIMMA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MASTER’S PROGRAM IN SYSTEMS OF MECHANICAL DESIGN STREAM

PRODUCT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Title: Portable Pedal Operated Groundnut Sheller Machine (PPOGSM)

Instructor: Mr. Abiyou Solomon (PhD candidate)

BY: Getasew Andargie Ademe

Email: getasewandargie21@gmail.com
ID: RM7518/11
Jimma, Ethiopia
 Abstract
In most developing countries, like India and Ethiopia, Groundnut is produced by farmers. In
Ethiopia, Beneshangul gumuz region, especially in Metekel and Kemesh zones 60% of crop
production is covered by groundnuts. But, lack of groundnut processing machines, especially
groundnut sheller, with in effective cost, source of power, good shelling efficiency, and size is a
major problem of Groundnut production. Most farmers use traditional way of shelling; whose
output is very low and it does not fulfill the market demand because it is very time consuming
process. Since, there is no electricity in rural areas; farmers can’t able to use motorized shellers.
Groundnut shelling efficiency is affected by different factors, but the greatest factor is due to the
variation in groundnut size.

Currently available shelling devices can’t able to give solution for such factor. But in this paper,
the shelling efficiency is increased by using groundnuts screening sieve (screens nuts based on
their size) before shelling. Hence it is essential to design and fabricate a portable pedal operated
groundnut sheller machine for domestic application. Overall, this project describes about the
design, and assembly of various components of portable pedal operated Groundnut sheller
machine.
 Acknowledgement
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Mr. Abiyou Solomon (PhD Candidate at Institute of
Mechanic (IFME), Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany) for
providing me an opportunity to do the project work and for delivering us this vital course,
product design and development (PDD).
 1. Introduction
Shelling is the removal of grains from their pod either by stripping, impact action, shearing and
rubbing or any combination of these methods. Nowadays, Groundnut sheller machines that are
available in the market, but they are large in size, needs electricity as source of power, low
shelling efficiency, costly and not suitable for domestic applications, they are best suitable for
industrial applications where mass production is required. Especially in our country Ethiopia,
currently used technology is hand operated machines, they only do shelling operation, the
separation of seeds from husks is done manually by using traditional methods such as by using
natural wind. This implies that the design of pedal operated portable Groundnut sheller machine
is very essential.

The design looks an environment friendly and uses simple mechanism properties such as shelling
system, blowering mechanism and crushing process etc. But this project is mainly about
generating a new concept of groundnut shell (crush) that would make easier to bring high
shelling efficiency and easier to crush groundnut.

The aim is to design a Groundnut sheller machine which uses manpower (pedal operated) in
place of conventional energy resources in order to make it user friendly, portable and cost
efficient. It should be a one-time investment for the farmers and make easier to bring anywhere
and to shell groundnut. In this project, designing & development of a machine to crush or shell
groundnut, so the farmers can gain high profit by selling groundnut direct in market. After the
design has completed, it will be transformed to its real product or implementation.

1.1 Problem Identification

As described above there are different methods of separation of groundnuts from shells.

a. Manually by hands- simply separate the groundnuts from its shell by their hands. The
output got from this method; is very low, does not fulfill the market demand, it is boring
and very time consuming process.
b. Using clog bag- this method of separating nuts from shells is by putting the peanuts in
bag and rolling over it with a rolling pin. This is not a reliable method due to mixing of
shells with nuts.
 c. Motor operated- in this method, the device runs by motor which uses electricity as
source of power. So, it’s costly and not applicable for rural areas.
d. Due to different size of nuts the shelling efficiency of all currently available methods is
low.

Figure 1. Traditional mechanisms in rural areas

To overcome such problems a device which is; portable, cost effective, high shelling
efficiency and able to give domestic applications (areas where the electricity is not available)
is very essential.

2. Functional structure
To solve engineering problems or any technical problems, designers need to develop functional
structures which have a clear and easily reproduced relationship between inputs and outputs.
Such a structure or system is comprising of an overall function in which several sub-functions
are derived. The sub-functions need to be developed with appropriate functional interrelationship
so as to achieve the overall function.

Human powered Rotary motion of

rotation drum and blowing
action
Shelling and
Unshelled separating nut Shelled groundnut
groundnut

Visual sight Visual sight

 Figure 2. Functional structure

2.1 Overall functional structure

Groundnut
added to the
hopper

Nuts screened based on their

size and dropped to the drum

Roller drum Shelling action takes

Input rotates place and mix of nut and
energy by husk is drop downward
human leg
through
pedal
Rotation of blower Blowing (separation of
nut from husk takes
place

Shelled
Husk or
Groundnut
shell

Figure 3. Overall functional structure

3. Objectives
3.1 General objective
The general objective of this project is addressing groundnut sheller machine to rural areas,
within small cost and high shelling efficiency; which will help farmers to sell finished (shelled)
groundnuts instead of unshelled ones.

3.2 Specific objectives

 Design pedal operated sheller machine components and assemble them.
 Design the device for screening, shelling, and separating purpose.
 Make the device portable and operate without conventional sources of power.

4. Engineering Design Process

The engineering design process is a general problem solving process which can be applied to any
problem. The design process is an iterative process. The aim in recommending a design process
to adopt is to support the designer by providing a framework or methodology. This section of the
reports outlines the process and considerations of the design, which creates a structure for
designers to follow. Throughout the lifespan of the project, each step is revisited time and time
again. Only then can the final product truly be realized. The final iteration of each process will
be detailed in this report.

Identification Design Concept Concept

of need requirements generation evaluation

Value Product Build Detail

proposition revision/review design
Figure 4. Engineering design process
 5. Value Proposition
The value proposition describes the overall final goal and targeted outcomes. In this case simply
it is able to know the end users of our product. Currently in our country Ethiopia, some farmers
use traditional method of shelling Groundnut and the rest farmers; they simply sell the unshelled
pod. So, I have planned to address portable pedal operated Groundnut sheller machine for
farmers.

5.1 Project goal

The main goal of this project is increasing farmer’s income, fulfill market demand, and reducing
exertion of power.

5.2 Targeted output and beneficiaries

The targeted output is pedal operated groundnut sheller machine, which is used as source of
income for farmer’s/groundnut producers. Thus the beneficiaries are farmers.

6. Identify needs/setting requirements

Identifying the needs of a project reduces the risk of failure by determining the issues that the
design will fulfill.

6.1 Functional needs

The device can able to perform the following:

 Screening the unshelled Groundnut based on size before shelling.

 Shelling action.
 Separating or blowing action.
 Able to move simply from place to place.

6.2 Design requirements

The main function of this device is to satisfy the economic needs of village peoples by
addressing such device within affordable cost and easily operation.

 Space occupied by the machine must not be so large.

 Overall design and assembly must be good and attractive. That is design is made to be
simple for easy maintenance and dismantling when necessary.
  The machine was constructed with the use of availability of local materials to ensure the
need of possible replacement of damage parts that are not expensive but available and
easily affordable in the local market.
 The machine blower was designed not to use energy from an external source such as
from national grid or solar source.
 Doesn’t require skilled man power or knowledge to operate. Shelling efficiency of the
device depends on the following parameters.
 Moisture content- The nuts to be cracked will be sundried to a moisture content of
about 5 - 8% wet bulb for greater efficiency of shelling [1].
 Feeding rate and rotation per minute- the average feed rate must not exceed 25kg/hr
with 20rpm machine shaft speed.
 Clearance between rotating part and stationary part (sieve)-for this factor there should
be an innovative idea.

7. Concept Generation and Evaluation

The first step in concept generation is to identify the methods currently employed to accomplish
this task, and then add modifications in it. If there is no any related information it needs
creativity. Finally, circular brainstorming is then employed to identify the strengths, weaknesses,
and possible opportunities for improvement of each concept.

Portable pedal operated Groundnut sheller machine have three different main parts/units.

I. Feeding unit- this unit contains parts that hold Groundnut seeds before shelling and
screening part in which the unshelled groundnut pods are screened based on their size
before shelling.
II. Shelling unit- the shelling unit frees the seed from its enclosure. This is the working
component of the machine. Groundnuts are shelled and divided in to shelled nuts and
husks.
III. Cleaning unit- in this part the shelled nuts are separated from husks using blowing action.
7.1 Elements of pedal operated groundnut sheller machine
7.1.1 Feeding unit
The feeding unit comprises of a hopper and the screening sieve. These components are very
important in controlling the feed rate at which the material is being fed into the shelling unit.

A. Hopper
Hopper contains Groundnuts before shelling. Hopper is designed in a conical shape to ensure
easy flow of the groundnuts without hindrance or interference.

B. Screening sieve
There are different sizes of Groundnuts, which implies that the clearance between the rotating
part and stationary part is not constant. The pod size governs the clearance between shelling unit
and sieve rollers that would result in effective shelling operation. As literature shows there are
different physical properties of Groundnut pods and Groundnut seeds.

Table 1. Physical properties of Groundnut pods and Groundnut seeds

Length(mm) Width (mm) Diameter/thickness(mm )
Groundnut pod 35-40 15-18 12-14
Groundnut seed 18-19 10-11 9-10

So, previous and currently available methods of shelling use an average diameter of 13mm for
unshelled Groundnut and set the clearance between rotating and stationary parts 13mm. This
implies that during shelling operation;

 The 12mm diameter Groundnut pods are unshelled.

 The 13mm diameter Groundnut pods are shelled in a good manner.
 The 14mm diameter Groundnut pods are crushed/have got damaging.

Totally, this shows that the overall shelling efficiency is decreased or low. In order to overcome
such problems and to increase the shelling performance of Groundnut sheller machine screening
sieve (based on their size) before shelling is essential. So, it is able to shell all size types of
Groundnuts. The screening sieve is installed 45 degrees from hopper and has holes with different
sizes.
7.1.2 Shelling unit

This unit contains the rotating part (rotary drum) and stationary part (semicircular net or sieve).

1. Stationary part (semicircular net or concave sieve)

This part is It is designed by using perforated rectangular sheet which has dimension and have
holes’ present are elliptical in shape having 19 mm length and 10 mm diameter.

2. Rotating part

This is the main part of the shelling unit, so the shape or size of this part must be fixed for better
shelling. There are four different alternatives or concept variants.

a. Bar and drum cylinder (BDC)- Bar and drum cylinder, with longitudinal bars or blades
rotating against fixed edges at a pre-set clearance, have the potential to trap nuts for an
instant and to make a positive cut into the shell without necessarily penetrating through to
the kernel. This is more positive means of breaking and opening of the shell.

Figure 5. Bar and drum cylinder

b. Spike tooth cylinder drum (STCD- in which Groundnuts are placed in a rotating cylinder
drum with spike teeth in its surface that will hit the pods and cause them to break open.
 Figure 6. Spike tooth cylinder drum

c. Tumbler method (TM)- in which Groundnuts are placed in a rotating drum with a
spinning shaft featuring fingers in the middle that will hit the pods and cause them to
break open.

Figure 7. Tumbler method

d. Double roller mechanism (DRM)- in which the Groundnuts are forced through two
rollers which squeezes the nuts out of their pods almost like a toothpaste tube.
 Figure 8. Double roller mechanism

e. Disc shelling mechanism (DSM)- The discs are set to have a rigidly maintained parallel
gap, so size grading of the feed may become necessary. The surfaces of the discs are
roughened or grooved to provide necessary edges that will help in the removal of the
shells. The working surfaces may have to be hard-faced to reduce abrasion and any
damage caused by stones or tramp metal which may inadvertently enter with the feed.

Figure 9. Disc shelling mechanism

Each concept is then put into a matrix and compared to other variations based on the following
criteria’s.
Evaluation criteria’s

1. Ease of use - how easy it is for the operator to use the machine.
2. Load handling - how well the machine can handle a large load without jamming or
failing.
3. Manufacturability - how difficult it will be for manufacturing.
4. Versatility - the capability to shell different types of Groundnuts.
5. Simplicity - how simple the overall design is.
6. Rate - how fast the machine can remove the Groundnuts and separate the empty pods.
7. Revelation to crack – is there any damaging of the pod.

Criteria weighting
Table 2. Weighting evaluation criteria for Rotating part concept variants

Criteri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Un-weighted Ranki Weighted overall

as overall values Ovi ng values Owvi

1 - 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 6 0.048

2 1 - 0 1 1 1 0 4 3 0.190

3 1 1 - 1 1 1 0 5 2 0.238

4 1 0 0 - 0 1 0 2 5 0.095

5 1 0 0 1 - 0. 0 2.5 4 0.119
5

6 0 0 0 0 0.5 - 0 0.5 7 0.024

7 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 6 1 0.286

Assume each variation is scored on a 1-5 scale with 1-being the lowest and 5- being the highest.
Table 3. Decision matrix for selecting the best concept variant for Rotating part

Criterias 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total
values
Owvi 0.048 0.190 0.238 0.095 0.119 0.024 0.286

BCD Score/S 2 4 4 4 3 2 5 4.023

S* Owvi 0.096 0.76 0.952 0.38 0.357 0.048 1.43

STCD Score/S 3 2 1 4 4 3 2 2.262

S* Owvi 0.144 0.38 0.238 0.38 0.476 0.072 0.572

TM Score/S 2 2 1 4 3 2 4 2.643

S* Owvi 0.096 0.38 0.238 0.38 0.357 0.048 1.144

DRM Score/S 5 3 3 4 4 2 4 3.572

S* Owvi 0.24 0.57 0.714 0.38 0.476 0.048 1.144

DSM Score/S 4 3 4 3 3 3 2 3.00

S* Owvi 0.192 0.57 0.952 0.285 0.357 0.072 0.572

So, according to the decision matrix for selecting the best concept variant, bar cylinder drum is
selected for shelling mechanism of pedal operated Groundnut sheller machine as rotating part.
Therefore, since there are different sizes of Groundnuts, to shell each nut this bar has their own
pattern for different sizes of nuts.

As described above the nuts size varies from 12mm to 14 mm diameter. So, the rotating drum is
stepped drum with 14mm, 13mm and 12mm diameters.

7.1.3 Cleaning unit

After shelling, the peanut and shells of the groundnut gets dropped from the semicircular net, in
downward direction then a centrifugal force is applied by a fan on the peanut and shell of the
groundnut. Due to more weight, the peanuts gets moved downward and collected in the
separator. But due to lighter weight the shell of the groundnuts are thrown outside the machine
and which are collected from the backside of the machine, this process is called cleaning or
separating action.

7.1.4 Power transmission system

For shelling Groundnut by pedal power system, the power transmission mechanisms are chain
drive or belt drive. Both a chain drive and a belt drive are part of mechanisms that allow
locomotion and a transfer of power within a particular piece of machinery. The usual application
of a chain drive and a belt drive is to transfer power or as a method to move objects, like hoisting
or conveying. Both chain drives and belt drives are designed as continuous and endless loops that
move when the engine is running or in use.

The chain drive, as its name implies, is made up of chains with special structures like teeth on
one side and a corresponding etch on the other side (drive shafts). It works when the two sides
link together, which encourages the movement of the chain as well as power. The designs and
structures also allow the chain to keep and hold it in one place and one direction. But there are
some selection/evaluation criteria’s.

Evaluation criteria’s;

1. Ease of Installation
2. Availability
3. Strength
4. Dependability/Durability
5. Maintenance
6. Cost

Criteria weighting
Table 4. Weighting evaluation criteria for chain and belt
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 6 Un-weighted Ranking Weighted overall
overall values values Owvi
Ovi
1 - 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 0.0667
2 1 - 0 0 1 1 3 3 0.2
3 1 1 - 1 1 1 5 1 0.3333
4 1 1 0 - 1 1 4 2 0.2667
 5 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 6 0
6 1 0 0 0 1 - 2 4 0.1333

Therefore there are two concept variant considered for power transmission system of pedal
operated shelling; chain drive system and belt drive system.

Assume each variation is scored on a 1-5 scale with 1-being the lowest and 5- being the highest.

Table 5. Decision matrix for selecting the best concept variant for chain and belt
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total
Value
Owvi 0.0667 0.2 0.3333 0.2667 0 0.1333
Chain Score/S 1 2 5 4 1 3
drive 3.5999
S* Owvi 0.0667 0.4 1.6665 1.0668 0 0.3999
Belt Score/S 5 4 2 3 1 4
drive 3.1334
S* Owvi 0.3335 0.8 0.6666 0.8001 0 0.5332

So according to the decision matrix for selecting the best concept variant, chain drive is selected
for power transmission system in pedal operated Groundnut sheller machine.

7.1.5 Sprocket and pulley

Sprocket is the major component of this system because it is power transmitting device. It gets
power from the chain drive and make this system to work. It is the device which transmits the
linear motion of meshing chain drive into rotary motion by means of the tooth found on it. The
sprocket with ball bearing is said to be free wheel. Since the sprocket transmits the power from
chain drive, it should have the capability to withstand the heavy loads of engine. So to withstand
those impacts on toothed area, it’s made of high carbon steel. The ball bearings are made up of
high chromium steel.

Evaluation criteria
1. Heavy duty
2. Smooth running
3. Tempered
4. Long life
 5. High power transmission to weight ratio

Table 6. Weighting evaluation criteria for sprocket and pulley

Un-weighted Ranking Weighted
Criterias 1 2 3 4 5 overall values overall values
Ovi Owvi
1 - 1 1 1 0 3 1 0.3
2 0 - 1 0.5 1 2.5 2 0.25
3 0 0 - 1 1 2 3 0.2
4 0 0.5 0 - 1 1.5 4 0.15
5 1 0 0 0 - 1 5 0.1

There are two concept variant considered for power transmission system for pedal power. These
are sprocket and pulley.

Table 7. Decision Matrix for selecting the best concept variant for sprocket and pulley
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 Total
value
Owvi 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1
Sprocket Score(S) 3 5 5 4 3 4.05
S* 0.9 1.25 1 0.6 0.3
Owvi
Pulley Score(S) 3 2 3 4 2 2.8

S* 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.2

Owvi

So according to the Decision Matrix for selecting the best concept variant sprocket is selected
for power transmission system in pedal operated Groundnut sheller machine.

7.1.6 Other parts

A. Pedal
A bicycle pedal is the part of a bicycle that the rider pushes with their foot to propel the bicycle.
It provides the connection between the cyclists’ foot or shoe and the crank allowing the leg to
turn the bottom bracket spindle and propel the bicycle's wheels.

B. Frame:

The frame is used to support all the components. Material of frame is cast iron.
C. Pulley

Pulley is used to transmit the torque of from the pedal to the fan or blower. One pulley is directly
mounted over the drum shaft and another pulley mounted on the shaft of fan. And both the
pulleys are connected with the help of V-belt.

D. V-Belt

V-Belt is used to transmit rotary motion of shaft of drum to the shaft of fan. The main reason that
the selection of belt rather than chain for such purpose is; so as to reduce overall weight, cost,
and effort. Material of the belt is rubber or polymer for strength and reinforcement.

E. Bearings

It is used to provide support for a rotating shaft with the help of compatible bearings and various
accessories.

7.2 Assembly and Manufacturing requirements

The arrangement of various component of Groundnut sheller machine is being done are as
follows:

 The foundation frame is being selected which carry the entire load of the machine.
 The rotating drum shaft is mounted on the top face of the foundation frame with the help
of bearings which is fastening using nut and bolt.
 The fan shaft is mounted at the back face of the foundation frame with the help of
bearings which is fastening using nut and bolt.
 The semi-circular net/sieve is mounted on the support provided at inner side of the
foundation frame.
 The hopper and screening sieve is mounted on foundation frame covering rotating shaft,
and permanently fastened at one side using hinged, and other side is temporary fasten for
time to time change of semi-circular net.
 Fan cover fastened using nut and bolt to back side of foundation frame, which cover fan
shaft.
 In front of end of foundation frame the power source which is (pedal power system) is
installed.
  The first sprocket is mounted on rotating drum shaft and second sprocket is mounted on
pedal. Pulley is installed both in rotating drum shaft and fan shaft.
 Fabrications of such components were considered for having the need for periodic
servicing; the use of temporary joints or fasteners to facilitate disassembling during
cleaning, servicing and or transportation must be very necessary.

Figure 10. Assembly of Portable Pedal Operated Groundnut Sheller Machine

7.3 Working principle or operational requirements

Pedal operated Groundnut sheller machine is operated on the shearing action, screening action,
and separating action.

 The groundnuts are fed to the machine through the hopper. From the hopper the nuts are
passed through the inclined screening sieve. During this time the nuts are dropped to the
shelling unit through the holes based on their size.
 Groundnuts come in contact with the two members, one is semicircular net (stationary
part) and another is rolling drum shaft.
 The shaft is rotated by the pedaling action induced by a human sitting on bicycle. During
this rotation, shearing action takes place. Due to this the groundnuts gets shelled and
divided into nuts and shells.
  After shelling, the peanut and shells of the groundnut gets dropped from the semicircular
net, in downward direction then a centrifugal force is applied by a fan on the peanut and
shell of the groundnut. Due to more weight, the peanuts gets moved downward and
collected in the separator. But due to lighter weight the shell of the groundnuts are thrown
outside the machine and which are collected from the backside of the machine, this
process is called separating action.
 Be attention, during feeding the groundnut in to hopper chip materials, stones or others
must not enter because it may damage some components of device and leads it to
malfunction.

8. Comparison of currently available shelling mechanisms and our device

Table 8. Comparison of currently available shelling mechanisms and our device portable pedal operated
groundnut sheller machine.
Power used Shelling efficiency Shelling Separation
capacity
Hand shelling By hand ,
1 consumes more High Very low No separation
time
Using bag clog Manual, but is Low, have cracking of
2 laborious and nuts Small No separation
high cracking of
nuts.
3 Simple manual Manual Low, have cracking of Small No separation
machine nuts
Pedal operated Pedal operated, High, because have Have separation
4 groundnut easy to apply screening sieve with Medium by blowing
sheller power. respect to their size action
machine
Uses electricity Medium, because of Have separation
5 Motor operated different sizes of nuts High by blowing
action
 9. Evaluation criteria of pedal operated Groundnut Sheller machine
Since pedal powered Groundnut sheller machine is a manually operated machine it has so many
advantages over the electrically operated one. And the evaluation or selection criteria of the
pedal powered Groundnut sheller machine lies with its advantage over the electrical one.

9.1 Evaluation Criteria’s

1. Shelling efficiency 7. Material availability

2. Economy 8. Ease of assembly

3. Simplicity of the technology 9. Ergonomics

4. Easy in maintenance

5. Portability

6. Power conception
From this selection criteria developing the general objective tree structure.

High efficiency, Simplicity of Technology, Economy, Material Availability,

Ergonomics

High Economy Simplicity of Material Ergonomics

shelling Technology Availability
efficiency

Low Availability Ease of

Shelling Ease of
maintena on Market operation
in good Repair
nce cost
manner
Ease of Low
Corrosion power
Separating Low Maintenance Resistance
in good manufac consum
manner turing ption
cost Ease of High
Assembly Temperatur
e Resistance No need
Absence
Low of skilled
of fuel
running Ease of man
used
cost Hardness power
manufacturing

Absence of
Medium man
fuel and
power
electric
Consumption
Consumption

Figure 11. Structure of Objective Tree

 9.2 Weighting Evaluation Criteria’s

O1

O11 = 0.3 O12 = 0.2 O13 = 0.1 O14 = 0.2 O15 = 0.2

O121 = 0.25 O122 = 0.3 O123 = 0.45

O1231 = 0.1 O1232 = 0.9

Figure 12. Weighting factor for each criteria

The overall weighting factor is O1232= 0.9*0.45*0.2=0.081

Since the overall weighting factor of end evaluation criteria are calculated from those the highest

value recorded by O1232 is selected as best evaluation criteria.

The following table shows, how the overall values are determined for each criterion considering
only nine criteria.
Table 9. Weighted and Un-Weighted Overall Values Determination
Un-weighted Weighted
Overall Values
criteria 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Overall Values
owvi
ovi
1 - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 0.222
2 0 - 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 6 0.167
3 0 0 - 1 1 1 1 1 0 5 0.139
4 0 0 0 - 1 0 1 0 1 3 0.083
5 0 0 0 0 - 0 1 1 0 2 0.056
6 0 0 0 1 1 - 0 0 0 2 0.056
7 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 0 0 1 0.028
8 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 - 0 3 0.083
9 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 - 6 0.167

Generally, there are three different shelling mechanisms that considered as concept variants

A=Motorized sheller

B=Traditional method of shelling

C=Pedal operated shelling

Table 10. Decision Matrix for selecting the best concept variant
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Overall
Alternative satisfacti
s on
0.167 0.083
0.222 0.139 0.056 0.056 0.028 0.083 0.167
% 65 35 30 25 30 65 50 90 45
A 48.525
%*Ow 14.43 5.845 4.17 2.075 1.68 3.64 1.4 7.47 7.515
vi
% 50 60 25 10 70 10 10 90 90
B 52.685
%*Ow 11.1 10.02 3.475 0.83 3.92 0.56 0.28 7.47 15.03
vi
% 70 90 90 100 80 80 80 10 80
C 76.77
%*Ow 15.54 15.03 12.51 8.3 4.48 4.48 2.24 0.83 13.36
vi

So according to the Decision Matrix for selecting the best concept pedal operated shelling
mechanism is selected.

10. Application of the product

 It doesn’t require any conventional source of power, which implies that cost is reduced.
 It is applicable in rural areas.
 Can move easily from place to place due to its portability and small size.
 Doesn’t require skilled man power.
 Should satisfy market demand, farmers sell finished goods instead of unfinished.
 It operates easily like bicycle riding

11. Advantages and Disadvantages

11.1 Advantages
 It required no power for operation.
 Is applicable for all type of Groundnuts.
 It is easy in maintenance.
 It does not require any special skill for operation.
 Cost of pedal operated Groundnut sheller machine is less than other machines because no
source of electricity required.
 Its construction is simple.
11.2 Disadvantages
 It may consume time as compared to motorized shellers, but is advantageous as compared to
traditional methods.
 It requires human effort for operating cutting machine.

12. Justification
12.1 Efficient
Pedal operated Groundnut sheller machine is much more efficient than traditional methods of

shelling. The higher shelling efficiency of this device makes it different from all other currently

used methods. The machine also requires less energy when compared to motorized machines.

The machine is also more comfortable to use than the traditional methods. Instead, the operator

sits on the machine’s seat and pedals most of the time.

12.2 Affordable
The target buyers for our machine are farmers in rural areas. A machine is also inexpensive to
operate because the user does not need to pay for power. This is especially important in places
like Ethiopia, where electricity is expensive.

12.3 Easy to Build and Maintain

Unlike any of the other alternatives, the machine uses locally available materials or recycled
bicycle parts. It can be produced in any area that has prevalent bicycle technology. Since the
parts are widely available, the machine can serve as a basis for local entrepreneurs to start
microenterprises which would stimulate the local economy. Another advantage of using locally
available parts is that the machine is easy to repair. It is mechanically simple enough that any
bicycle repair shop would be able to service the pedal-drive.
13. Conclusion
To sum up, this project presents the design of pedal operated portable groundnut sheller machine,
which operates pedally with in medium man power like bicycle. Since in most developing
countries like Ethiopia, access of electricity is poor and also not available in rural areas, this
device is very essential. Also the device is cost effective and increases income of farmers by
selling shelled products rather than the unshelled. So, implementing such device is very essential.