01 Aug 2008



Rotating cylinder and bike spokes operate on the principles on the left side of the diagram below. Threshing requires complex motions of the panicle on 3 axes. The hollow cylinder/corn sheller concept forces are shown on the right. Because threshing occurs simultaneously on all sides of the panicle, threshing motion is is simpler and throughput potentially higher. The sum of forces create a torque about the panicle's axis, ultimately shearing it off, as the millet is not strong rotationally.


Decision matrix: Rotating cylinders is our current standard. This matrix shows the relative allure of the hollow bearing/corn sheller and bike spoke concepts.




Video of a rotating drum thresher. A fundamental concern about the rotating drum concept is that it is a conventional method for threshing, must have been tried many times before, and obviously did not succeed in replacing mortar and pestle. It is unlikely this design is very different from others that have previously failed. In this business, being too conventional conveys a greater risk of failure.



This concept was first tested the morning of the second design review.
Video of the first bike spoke thresher.
Video of the first bike spoke thresher from through the wheel.
Video of the bike spoke thresher panicle ejection mechanism.



The following idea was offered at the design review and will be investigated: threshing in the rim of the wheel -- perhaps the spoke heads will transfer adequate impulses. We also met with a business consultant and explored the economics and business models of the thresher.



Following the design review, our immediate work will focus on

1. Exploring rim threshing, or modifying the rim with wire or mesh. Can this method thresh and keep the seeds from dropping into the spokes and flying everywhere?
2. Design/prototype a collection system for tire threshing.
3. Conclude testing of the dual cylinder thresher (in parallel).
4. Consider a sideways mounted tire or bike, sitting e.g., on a 55 gal drum. By placing the wheel sideways, do we simplify grain collection, improve ergonomics and safety, and enable multiple (2-3) people to concurrently feed the thresher?
5. 
   

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