Design and Development of Sitting Type Coconut Palm Climbing Device – “Kera Suraksha Coconut Climber”

摘要

Coconut climbing is considered as a traditional job of some backward communities in Kerala. The height of bearing coconut palm varies from 2 to 30 m. Climbing of coconut palm is difficult due to the height and non branching nature of the palm. Only a professional climber with proper training and skill is able to climb coconut palm. Due to the risk involved, people are not coming forward for climbing job and those who do claim high service charge. In order to overcome this situation, a sitting type coconut palm climbing device was designed and developed. Made of mild steel, it weighed 9.35 kg. Its field performance and ergonomic evaluation were conducted. The total time taken by the operator to climb a 12 m height palm using the developed climbing device was 3.16 minutes. The angle of inclination of the upper metal wire rope, lower metal wire rope and seat with horizontal was found to be below the safe value of 400. The strength of wire rope used was tested for breakage and found fit. The bearing capacity of the materials and climbing device as a whole was found to be 165 kg and did not shown any failure. This device could easily be operated by any unskilled person and safety of the operator is assured during climbing.