Design of an Automated Mobile Corn Starch Processing Model

Abstract

This paper presents a design of an automated mobile corn starch processing model for modest applications from the electrical blending system model. The traditional procedure for extracting starch from corn for meals such as ogi, Akamu (pap) etc from maize pigeon pea) is labour intensive and time demanding hence the need for a smart-self-operated machine for commercial processing of this important food. This model proposes an electro-mechanical system, the electronic subsystem was modelled using Proteus with its code written in Arduino IDE and the mechanical subsystem was modelled using Solid Work. The system as design operates on alternating current power supply. The mechanical design encompasses: hydraulic device control, parts assembling and mobile driving structure. Electrical design encompasses: electrically actuated arms as one of its transfer mechanisms, sensor devices regulated by the microcontroller action, and electric motor for the grinding system. The model design was demonstrated through simulation and the virtual results show the system capability of carrying out corn starch extraction within minimal time. Subsequent research efforts would be geared towards implementing the design on the hardware using the design specifications.