Contribuições conceituais ao projeto de mecanismos para a retirada da casca de mandioca

Abstract

The root of the cassava, scientifically known as Manihot Esculenta Crantz, traditionally tropical and native to South America, is an edible root that serves as a staple food for humans. In order to be consumed, the outer layers of the skin are always removed through the peeling process after harvesting. The processing of cassava roots in family farming systems is carried out manually with low technology involved in the processes, from planting to the trade of fresh cassava to the end consumer. In this sense, in order to reduce operational risks, mechanization in the peeling process seeks to offer greater safety and shorter processing time, benefiting the population dependent on cassava production. With the aim of proposing solutions for the peeling of cassava roots through a mechanical process performed by a technical system, exploratory research was conducted to identify patents and prior art in databases regarding the main types of peeling. Based on this, alternative solutions were designed based on the tasks and activities of a reference model for the development of agricultural machines for the technical problem of longitudinal peeling. Solution principles were generated through digital mock-ups, grouped together, manufactured by 3D printing, assembled, and tested. Thus, three alternative concepts were developed to solve the technical problem: the first based on the concept of longitudinal cutting and separation by highlighting, the second based on the concept of longitudinal cutting and separation by scraping, and the third based on the concept of longitudinal flat cutting. The results of the experiments, evaluated in terms of performance criteria, indicate that the prototype of the third alternative concept, the longitudinal flat peeling, provided an applicable solution for mechanized peeling, replacing manual peeling applied to the trade of fresh cassava produced by family farming. The concept demonstrated acceptable performance in an operational environment for the peeling functions and technical criteria, contributing beneficially to the overall performance of the evolving mechanical technical system, reducing potential operational risks and increasing productivity. Moreover, the characteristics presented by the performance of the technical system indicate potential application in cassava peeling machines intended for large-scale production by food industries. Finally, the studies contributed to identifying the current state of the art and can evolve for the next stages of product development.