03.Problem Definition - Z-div-Engg-exploration-2026-27-odd/Repo-7 GitHub Wiki

Need Statement

To develop a compact, safe, and user-friendly fruit chopper that can quickly and uniformly chop fruits with minimal manual effort.

Objectives, Functions and Constraints

Sl. No.	Questions	Answers	Objectives / Function / Constraint
1	Should the machine be automatic or manual?	The machine should be semiautomatic.	Objective
2	Machine should be fixed or portable?	The machine should be portable.	Objective
3	What should be the maximum weight of the machine?	Less than 2 kg.	Objective
4	How fast should it chop fruits?	It should chop quickly.	Objective
5	Should it consume less power?	It should consume less power.	Objective
6	Should it be safe to use?	Yes.	Objective
7	How should the blade move?	Rotate using a motor.	Function
8	What should cut the fruit?	Rotating blade.	Function
9	Where should chopped fruit go?	Collection tray.	Function
10	How should the machine start?	ON/OFF switch.	Function
11	How should the blade be connected?	Blade should be connected to a motor shaft.	Function
12	How should the machine be cleaned?	By removable parts.	Function
13	What should be the maximum weight?	Less than 2 kg.	Constraint
14	What should be the cost?	Low cost (affordable).	Constraint
15	What should be the power supply?	6–12 V DC.	Constraint
16	How should the blade be protected?	Covered/enclosed.	Constraint
17	How much noise should it produce?	Low noise.	Constraint

1.2 Basic Survey and Requirements

Table 2: Observation from a Literature Survey

Sl. No.	Observations from Surveys	Requirements
1	Speed	Reduce chopping time.
2	Effort	Reduce manual effort.
3	Portability	Make the machine lightweight.
4	Safety	Protect the user from the blade.
5	Uniformity	Produce evenly chopped pieces.
6	Cleaning	Make the machine easy to clean.
7	Power	Use low power consumption.
8	Cost	Keep the machine affordable.
9	Capacity	Allow sufficient fruit quantity.
10	Durability	Ensure long-lasting operation.

1.3 Identify Client’s Objectives

Table 3: Objectives Identified

Sl. No.	Objectives
1.	Reduce fruit chopping time and manual effort.
2.	Provide quick and uniform chopping.
3.	Make the machine compact, lightweight and portable.
4.	Ensure safe operation with minimum risk.
5.	Keep the machine affordable and easy to maintain.

Problem Definition – Version 1.1

Design a semi-automatic fruit chopping machine that is able to perform an accurate and hygienic chopping process. It should be portable and user-friendly.

1.4 Identify Constraints

Table 4: Identified Constraints

Sl. No.	Constraints
1.	Machine weight should be less than 2 kg.
2.	Operating voltage should be between 6–12 V DC.
3.	The rotating blade must be enclosed for safety.
4.	The machine should have a low manufacturing cost.
5.	The machine should have a compact size for portability.
6.	Components in contact with fruit should be easy to clean and food-safe.

Problem Definition Version 1.2

Design and develop a semi-automated fruit chopping machine that can efficiently chop different types of fruits into uniform pieces with reduced manual effort. The machine should provide safe, hygienic, quick, and convenient operation while being compact, portable, affordable, and easy to maintain.

1.5 Establish Functions

Table 5: Identified Functions

Sl.No	Functions
1.	Guide the fruit into the cutting zone.
2.	Position the fruit accurately before cutting.
3.	Transfer motor rotation to the cutting mechanism.
4.	Maintain consistent cutting movement.
5.	Direct chopped pieces into the collection tray.
6.	Prevent fruit from slipping during chopping.

Problem Definition version 1.3:-

Design a semi-automatic fruit chopping machine that is able to perform accurate and hygienic chopping of different types of fruits. The machine should be portable, compact, safe, and user-friendly. The machine must not exceed 2 kg in weight, should be able to chop at least 1 kg of fruit within 2 minutes, and the total manufacturing cost should not exceed ₹4,000. It should operate continuously for at least 1 hour with low power consumption. The machine should provide an indication to the user when the chopping process is completed and should prevent operation when the fruit chamber is empty or improperly positioned. The chopped fruit should be collected hygienically in a removable collection tray, and the cutting mechanism should be enclosed for user safety.