The document summarizes a student engineering project to design an improved maize grinder for people in Zambia. It outlines the problem statement of inefficient current grain processing methods. It then lists the desired specifications for the new grinder as determined from customer interviews, including that it must weigh less than 25 lbs, grind grain to less than 0.10 inches in diameter, and cost less than $30. The document also includes an engineering model and drawings of a prototype design featuring an optimized handle, reversible grinding directions, and adjustable grinding distances.

1. Sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering Knowledge. Innovation. Leadership.
Fall
2015 Jake Benner, Alex Eickenberg, Bill Hendricks, Chaoyue Huang, Thomas Knuckey, Sebastian Paradise
Maize Grinder - The WINgineers
Sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering Knowledge. Innovation. Leadership.
Mechanical Engineering 270 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design, Section C, Team 2
Problem Statement: The people of Zambia have inefficient means of processing grains, seasonings among other
ingredients. The people of this country spend a lot of time and energy preparing the ingredients which could be beneficial
in other parts of their lives. The objective of this project was to make the maize corn process simpler and more efficient
for the people of Zambia.
“I need the product to produce the grain size I
desire. It also must be light enough to carry
around, and be fairly simple to operate. It needs
to be inexpensive, yet long lasting. Finally, this
product needs to be safe around my children”
From market and customer analysis, the
following are the desired specifications:
● Has to weigh less than 25 lbs
● Grain size diameter <0.10 in
● Cost less than $30
Voice of the Customer
Specifications and Benchmarking
Engineering Model
Morphological Charts
Prototype Design and Fabrication
Prototype Testing
Profitability Analysis
Final Design Concept
● Changes made to the
grinding cylinder and
handle to better
withstand torsional
forces
Top Funnel Bottom
Funnel
Applying Force
with Handle
Grinding Cylinder
and Plate
Grinder Chamber Assembly Drawing
● Handle length
varies to optimize
torque
● Product can be
“flipped” to grind
in both directions
● Grinding distance
varies to reach
desired grain size