Diseño e implementación de un afilador de cuchillos semiautomático a ser empleado por personas de la tercera edad para generar un emprendimiento

Abstract

The degree project focuses on the design and implementation of a semi-automatic knife sharpener to be used by the elderly to generate an enterprise. The proposal arises from the observation of how, at present, elderly people face challenges when trying to sharpen knives, which limits their autonomy in the kitchen and can cause accidents due to decreased strength in their upper limbs. To address this problem, an optimal, lightweight, safe and easily transportable machine has been developed to prevent injuries and improve ergonomics during the sharpening process. The first step consists of a search for theoretical foundations, where basic concepts of mechanics and electronics are found to help understand the operation of the equipment. Through an analysis, the current problems and risks to which older people are exposed are identified. As the project progresses, the design and simulation processes are documented and the appropriate components are selected. With the help of surveys and measurements, the machine is made ergonomic, thus reducing the occurrence of injuries and, if the users already have any complications, preventing them from worsening.