Design of a Tool for Pineapple Peeling

Abstract

Purpose– This research aims to design and develop a semi-automatic pineapple peeling device to improve the work efficiency of pineapple vendors in the field. Based on a survey conducted with a vendor in Rimbo Panjang Village, it was found that the peeling process is still performed manually using a kitchen knife, which requires considerable time and energy and poses risks to hygiene and work safety.

Design/methodology/approach–a tool was designed by considering time efficiency, the use of corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel), and user comfort using work design & measurement, design and manufacturing engineering, and ergonomic analysis approaches.

Findings– The results show that the pineapple peeler is safer to use and significantly speeds up the peeling process. Hypothesis testing indicates that Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) influences Perceived Usefulness (PU), and PU further affects Behavioral Intention (BI). SWOT analysis also shows that although the tool still has certain inefficiencies, the innovation offers strengths in hygiene, efficiency, and commercial potential.

Originality– The results show that this tool is able to speed up the peeling process, is safer to use, and provides comfort for users.