Development of a Mobile Motorized Rice Threshing Machine for Small and Medium Scale Rice Farmers

Aim and Objectives of the Project: The goal of this work is to enhance the production efficiency of a rice threshing machine by making appropriate modifications to the design of the current model. The study aims to develop a mobile, motorized rice threshing machine that delivers high performance and quality output while minimizing time and cost. Study Design: The Sieve holes was made to enter each grain of rice given room for adequate passage of the grains, Suspending the sieve with relief springs to enable it sieve during vibration and also proper selection of the construction materials were the three significant areas considered for modification. Mild steel was chosen for the fabrication of the parts due to its reliability, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Place and Duration: Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between October 2023 and September 2024 Methodology: Detailed machine design both parts and assembled were drawn using Solidworks 2015 version. The machine component parts were marked and cut out from the parent materials as specified in the detailed drawing. The cut-out parts were joined using Arc welding process, why some parts were fastened using bolt and nut. A gasoline engine of 3.5 hp, running at and 1500 rpm transmitting a torque of 4.06 Nm causing a rotational motion on the shaft for effective and efficient threshing of the rice. Results: the performance analysis showed that the enlarged sieve holes, provision of suspension spring and closeness of the spikes significantly affected the threshing and sieving rate of the machine. The machine recorded a threshing efficiency of 95.94% and throughput of 46.99 kg/h. when compared with the existing threshing machine. The new machine saved 0.07 h when threshing 30 kg of rice paddy. The result showed that the machine has optimal performance and produces the intended quantity with the recorded efficiency. Conclusion: this study highlights the crucial role of rice in Nigeria’s economy and the challenges faced by local rice producers, particularly in processing good quantity. The design and fabrication of the mechanized rice threshing machine represent a significant advancement in addressing these challenges. By improving threshing efficiency, reducing grain damage, and cutting labor costs, the machine offers a practical solution to the inefficiencies of traditional rice processing methods. With a threshing efficiency of 95.94% and throughput of 46.99 kg/hr., the machine demonstrates a notable improvement in rice processing. Utilizing locally sourced materials, it further promotes local content and self-reliance in machine development. Ultimately, this project stands to enhance rice production in Nigeria, improve productivity for farmers, and bolster the overall economic potential of the rice farming sector.