A Motorized Yam Pounding Machine Developed to Improve Living Standard of Average Nigeria for Sustainable Economic Growth

Abstract

The aim of this research work is based on the design and development of a motorized yam pounder for pounding yam, this research was considered because of the importance of pounded yam in Africa particularly in Nigeria and because of the time and energy wasted using the traditional mortar and pestle method of yam pounding. The research work aimed at eliminating the labour involved in traditional method of pounding. Through this improvement the possibility of food contamination by sweating while pounding will be control. This project work sought to design a yam pounder that pounds yam right from the peeled cooked stage in a pounding bowl with the help of an electric motor that transmits power through rotary motion together with the help of shaft. The pounding blades functions as the pestle. The machine is to be operated by electricity and it consists of shaft, electric motor, yam beaters or pounding blades, bowl and the frame. Low cost materials were used so as to make the machine affordable for average Nigerian homes, thereby improving the standard of living. In order to avoid food contamination stainless material were also incorporated for smooth and clean pounding before consumption.