DESIGN OF A MULTI-PURPOSE PRODUCE CARRYING DEVICE FOR RURAL APPLICATIONS

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The Indian agriculture sector is rapidly growing, rebranded as an industry with specialized equipment simplifying farming tasks. A multipurpose produce carrier is being developed to assist farmers in transporting crops from fields to market, addressing transportation issues faced in rural areas. Ethnographic research was conducted in Kerala to study existing problems and carrier usage methods, including interviews with local farmers. Ergonomic design principles were applied to ensure the carrier complemented users' strengths and abilities, accommodating variations in age, size, strength, experience, culture, and goals. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Product Design Specification (PDS) were generated based on data analysis, resulting in a shortlisted concept using weighted ranking methods. The final design was fine-tuned for production with DFMA considerations, undergoing positive product validation. Key features include user-friendliness, easy attachment/detachment, push-pull setup, telescopic storage space (0.46m3-0.26m3), and a tipping mechanism. Primarily aimed at farmers for efficient transport of up to 300 kg loads from fields to market, this carrier reduces manual effort required.