CHAPTER IV:

SUMMARY,
CONCLUSION &
RECOMMENDATION
 4.1 Summary

This study can widen our fellow students’ knowledge about ergonomics and its importance. It can
also make most people who use hand tools often to be more aware about the symptoms and effects of
MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders) caused by repetitive movement using an ordinary hand tool.

The proponents come up with idea to innovate an existing coconut husking tool for the
convenience and safety of the coconut farmers. After studying some related literatures and articles about
husking a coconut, some common problems are being raised. The first problem is the unsafe condition of
a traditional coconut husking tool that is commonly a vertical metal with sharp edge, this tool has a high
risk from accident. The second one is the fixed and un-adjustable position of coconut husking tools.
Husking a coconut requires adequate force and energy and workers are either in prolong standing or
sitting position in order to perform the task, this practice results to exhaustion and fatigue. The last
problem that people encounter are the symptoms of MSD, because of the repetitive movements done in
performing such task using an unergonomic tools, this people are likely to have high risk of developing
MSD’s.

The proponents decided to innovate the existing tool by considering the anthropometrics of the
workers. The propose coconut husking tool is horizontal in position with adjustable length of handle to
satisfy the comfortable percentile of each worker and is placed and in adjustable table to allow workers to
sit or stand to avoid developing MSD.

4.2 Conclusion

Today there is many methods used for de-husking and de-shelling of coconut. These methods are
widely used for removing of the coconut husk but these methods have many problems and limitations
while operating these machines. These problems affect the production rate of de-husking the coconut.
Also these methods are more hazardous and harmful to user. To overcome the limitations and problems
occurring in the present machine there is need of the method to be automatic and less harmful to the user.
This paper presents the design and development of the automatic coconut de -husking machine. This
machine eliminates the problems and limitations to a greater extent. In this way the production rate
increases compared to the present coconut de-husking machine.

Based on the results, we can say that considering the anthropometrics and situation of workers in
producing a variety of tools can be effective in making people more aware about their safety and health. It
can be also an effective way to reduce physical disorders and lessen the fatigue that most workers face on
their own field of work. Since coconut is one of the most abundant fruit in our country, we hope to utilize
it by providing our coconut farmers the tools that can help them in their daily work. Imagine if every
farmers are free from MSD’s, occupational related diseases and fatigue it will help them to be more
productive.

The coconut dehusking is one of the most difficult post harvesting operation. In the Philippines,
coconut is cultivated on a large scale. To process such a large number of production of coconuts some
suitable mechanism needs to be identified or developed. Several attempts have been made to mechanize
the dehusking of coconut. Some of them were manually operated and others were power operated. These
mechanisms have their own advantages and disadvantages. Few of them required skill worker. Some of
them were bulky, time consuming, power consuming, uneconomical. There is a need to develop some
mechanism which would work satisfactory and must be economical. Depending upon the necessity the
suitable mechanism needs to be selected.

 The developed model is simple, efficient, requires less time and cost effective when compared to
the existing available model.
 The overall performance of coconut de husking machine is satisfactory by husking coconut
effectively and economically.

4.3 Recommendations

For the proper maintainance of the coconut husking machine, the researchers recommend:

1. Keep the Coconut Husking Machine Covered

Dust is the enemy of machinery. To keep the machine as clean as possible, store it under a dust cover or
in a hard case.

2. Clean One Part of the Machine at a Time

Once finished cleaning and working on one part, return that part back to how he/she found it. By working
a little at a time, you can ensure that you put the coconut husking machine back together properly.

3. Wipe Down the Machine After Each Use

To keep the coconut husking machine clean, wipe it down with a wet rag after each use. A quick clean
using a rag and running water can help remove dust and coconut remnant from its parts/blades that may
damage the machine.

4. Oiling the Machine

Like most other machines, the coconut husking machine benefits from regular oiling. Oiling the machine
will help some of its parts run smoother and for longer.