rubber tapping equipment

1

Final Project Presentation

Design and Development of Rubber Tapping

Machine

George T Jose K1139a140022, BN-010

Post Diploma In Product Design

Proposed Academic Guides :

Mr Vivek Sasiandran / Mr Rajeev Nair

Keltron Advanced Design Centre

Aim of the Project


This project is based on developing and improving

the existing model of the rubber tapping equipment

which can be used by a common man.

2

3

• To research on rubber tapping methods and positions of the tapping knife.

• The cutting angles of the tapping knife.

• Flow of the latex from the rubber tree and the cutting direction while tapping

• User study of an expert in rubber tapping.

• To investigate on the existing rubber tapping models and its technology.

• To carry out parametric study to meet the product design specifications (PDS).

• Less time consumption and easy to operate

Aim of the Project


Methods and Methodology Methods and Methodology

Keltron Advanced Design Centre 4

Rubber Tapping Machine

Data collection

Patents, Books and Internet

Product Study

User study/ customer study

Benchmarking

Data analysis

Customer voice

QFD

PDS

Concept generation

Problem solving methods

Ideation

Concept sketching

Rendering

Final concept selection

Evaluation of all concepts

Ranking of Concepts

Final concept

Digital Modeling

Concept Detailing

Methods and Methodology


• The methodology describes the way to reach the final concept selection.

• Firstly, the research is based on the data collection by the standard patents, books and internet.

• Secondly, by using the data analysis and survey of the customers that leads to QFD & PDS.

• Third, it then leads to concept generation by problem solving methods by 6-3-5 method, concept

sketching and 3D modelling by using Alias and also rendering the model by Key Shot.

• Fourth, it is the final concept selection, by Pugh's method.

• The planning process followed by selection of material and 3D model is the final step.


Introduction

6

Rubber had been a historical plant in the ancient era when Columbus discovered rubber

latex in the year 1495 and in the ancient it was called ‘Caoutchoue’ means ‘Crying Tree’. The latex is

extracted from the tree by using a sharp tools or a special knife.

In 1839 Charles Goodyear accidentally dropped rubber and sulphur on a hot stovetop,

causing it to char like leather yet remain plastic and elastic. Vulcanization, a refined version of this

process, transformed the white sap from the bark of the Hevea tree into an essential product for the

industrial age.

Tapping lines

Hevea Brasiliensis Tree

Latex Drop

Latex Cup


Product History

7

Rubber tapping knife was found during the

early years, which required skills for

cutting the tree to extract the latex. The

design of the knife and the cutting pattern

varies from one place to other.


Product Study

Manufacturing Process

The process for making the knife is forging.

8


Product Study

Tree Examination and Cutting Angles

9


Product Study

10


Bark

Cork Cambium

Latex Vessels

Phloem

Cambium

Zylem

Pitch The cambium makes the tree grow, by producing wood

and bark.

It must precise not to damage it; if the tree has to grow

normally.

If you cut through a trunk, you see

several layers.

• On the outside is the bark,

which is about 6 millimetres thick.

• In the centre is the wood,

• Between the wood and the bark

there is a layer which cannot be seen

with the naked eye,

because it is very thin.

This is the cambium layer.

Product Study

11


Product Study

12


Latex Flow from Tree :- 20°C to 28 °C (68 °F to 83 °F)

Tapping time :- Early Morning appox. 2am 26 ° C – 30 ° C

Morning 30 ° C – 32 ° C

Noon 32 ° C – 36 ° C

Diameter of Tree :- Ø280mm to Ø500mm (appox.)

Bark thickness :- 6mm thickness

Depth of cut :- 1mm (min) to 4.5mm (max)

Why do tappers go early in the morning for tapping?

1. The amount of water content is more

2. Temperature for the latex to flow

3. Atmospheric pressure

During the summer seasons the yield of the rubber is less compared to the other climates

Product Study

13

4. Collar

2. Knife Tip (Sharp)

5. Handle

3. Flange

1. Clearance


Fix / Remove blade from

Handle

Material

Wood Material

Metal

Mfg Process

Turning

Mfg Process

Forging

Product Study

130°

14

• The cut should not reach till cambium of the tree

• Each time the knife needs to be sharpened

• Requires skilled person

• Ergonomic problems (Handle)

• Cutting tip and clearance along with rake angles are important

• Rusting of knife

• No Proper grips for the knife

• Chances of accidents are more

• No safety involved in tool

• To be careful with the sharp tip of the knife


Key Findings of Product Study

15


Market Study

Product details

General use : Plantation (Agriculture)

Material : Steel

Suitable for all kind of rubber tree.

Sharpen by craftsman

Including knife cover.

Enhanced latex.

More sharp.

16


Market Study

Product details


Material : Steel

Made of quality steel.

Sharpen by craftsman

More sharp.

17


Market Study

Product details


Material : Steel

Suitable for all kind of rubber tree.

Blade Inserts

Easy to use.

Wooden Handle

Enhanced latex.

More sharp.

18


Market Study

Trend analysis

The rubber tapping knife are of different type in which all the tools have a straight handle which is

made out of wood or metal pipe. The common problems that these knifes have are,

1. Ergonomics Problems

2. Stress full for the person to tap for long hours

3. Requires good skill for tapping.

Material

The knifes are made out of good quality of steels which require sharp ends which helps in cutting the

tree to abstract the latex from the tree. The handle is made out of wood or steel or rubber.

19


Market Study

Market Specification

According to the current market research done by experts have derived a market specification for

achieving an improved rubber tapping tool:

1. Cost: Plantation management would buy the tool at 50% above the current tool price if it is safer and allows

workers to be more productive

2. Features/Reliability: The tool must increase employer profitability by either increasing productivity or by

lower labor costs in allowing skilled labor to tap

3. Ease of use: Ease of use can improve productivity by reducing fatigue. The availability of potential laborers

including women choose not to work as rubber tappers because it involves lot of hard work

4. Durability : The tool must last for 5 years

5. Maintenance: The tool must be maintained with only basic sharpening of tools.

20


Market Study

In the Indian rubber

tapping industry Kerala

produces 92% of India's

natural rubber.

The secondary lies to

other tropical regions that

have substantial rubber

tapping industries,

including Southeast Asia,

South America and Africa

21

22 Keltron Advanced Design Centre

Bench Marked

• The handle is given an altered shape

• Blade inserts are used

• Blade shape has been changed

• A small portion of the blade comes into contact

• Handle cross section is rectangle – clamping is by riveting

• The clamping of blade is screw nut mechanism

• No other equipments does not exists in market for tapping


Key Findings

23


Daily Function of a Tapping Labour

24

Starts in early morning Cutting the path on tree

Latex

Flowing

Collected rubber rolled Sheet kept for drying Rubber Sheet Storage


Ergonomic Study

25


Ergonomic Study

26


Ergonomic Study

Neutral Neutral

Movements of the Hand

27


Ergonomic Study

28


Ergonomic Study

29


User Study

30

No Questionnaire Yes No

1 Is the knife too stressful?

2 Would like to have an automatic tapping machine?

3 Does it take lot of time for tapping?

4 Are there chances of damaging the tree?

6 Is there a problem in cutting at the lower portion of the tree?

7 Is it safe to handle?

8 Is the life of the knife last more?

9 Do you require a proper grip for the handle?

10 Do you require expert skills?


User study

Product users : Skilled Labours

User age category : Both men and women (22 +) or Illiterate

Working area : Rubber plantation (Rubber)

31


User Study1

32

Cutting Direction

Bottom to Top

Holding Knife

One hand knife Other support Latex Flow


User Study 2

33

Cutting Direction

Top to Bottom

Holding Knife

Two hand with Knife

Latex Flow


Ergonomics Study of Users

Eye sight

Requires support

Shoulder pain

Back Pain

Leg Pain

Wrist pain

Chance of an accident

34


Ergonomic Study

Design Principles

Factors to Minimize

1. Soft tissue, artery, and nerve compression

2. Grip/Finger/Torque/Push/Pull strength required to perform task successfully

3. Vibration levels

4. Temperature changes (+/- 2 degrees)

5. Repetitive motion

6. Prolonged performance of task

7. Prolonged maintenance of “fixed position”

8. Angle deviation away from “neutral” hand position

9. Pinching, sharp corners, edges

10. Cost

35


Ergonomic Factors to be Considered

Factors to Maximize

1. General feeling of “Comfort”

2. Adjustability of design

3. Ease of use

Factors to Consider Depending on Use

1. Weight of tool

2. Texturing, gloves, bracing/support, padding

3. Size of tool and hand anthropometrics

4. Subgroups: Lefthanders, women, physically impaired, young, elderly

5. Safety and protection features (e.g. flange, safety, latch, plastic guard, etc.)

6. Material selection – What’s it made of? Reason?

7. Power Specs: Manual vs. powered, Battery vs. plug-in

36


Key Findings of User

• Stressful work

• Problems in different positions while tapping

• Body pains by continuous work

• Takes more time

• Requires excellent skills

• Rusting of knifes

• Chances of tree damage is more in the beginning of the tapping process

• The tapping has to be started by morning for achieving more amount of latex

• No fixed pattern in cutting the rubber

• Life of the knife is less or needs to the sharpened

• Requires proper supports while tapping

• Easy to carry

• Less space to place in the tool box

• The comfort level of holding the knife is too low

• To cut the path at higher positions requires a Log(wood) to stand

• Different tapper has different methods of holding, positioning of knife and cutting style varies from other

37


Cu

stom

er

Req

uir

emen

ts

25 25 25 25

25 25 25

25

25

25 25

25

25 25

25

25 25

12

12 12

12

12

12

Technical Descriptions

RIR

Mec

han

ism

Mat

eria

l

Pro

duct

Str

uct

ure

Funct

ion

Siz

e

Aes

thet

ics

Support on tree 3 15 9 15

Depth of cut 5 25 5 15 15

Life of tool 4 20

Safety 5 25 25

Automatic 3 15 9 9 15 9

Damage of tree 5 25 25

Grip for Handle 3 3 3 9

Aesthetics 2 10

Time Consumption 4 12 4 12

Total 95 34 90 67 24 19 329

Percentage 30 10 28 20 7 5 100%

Strong Positive

Positive

Negative

Weak Relationship - 1

Medium Relationship - 3

Strong Relationship - 5

QFD

Cu

stom

er

Req

uir

emen

ts

QFD – Quality Function Deployment

38


PDS

PDS – Product Design Specification

Performance

The equipment must be easy to handle and must be quicker and accessed by a common man.

Maintenance

The product has to be designed in such a way that it can be easily repaired.

Size

The size of the product should be minimum in size.

Weight

The weight should be brought to the least not more than 6kilos.

Aesthetics, appearance and finish

The product can be remodelled by giving good aesthetics and appearance.

Materials

The materials that can be used are for blade is carbon steel and for handles can be of rubber or wood.

39


PDS

PDS – Product Design Specification

Environment

The working of the product is in moist environment which has more water content.

Customer

The common buyers would be the rubber tappers and for a common man.

Ergonomics

The ergonomics issues should be erected by bringing changes in the tool.

Mechanism

The mechanism should be easy to develop and shouldn’t affect the tapping function.

Process

The process that involves in manufacturing are moulding and forging

40


Problem Solving Method

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a group creativity technique by which a group tries to find a solution for a specific

problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by the members.

6 – 3 – 5 Method

6 people were sitting together in 5 minutes each of them will give 3 ideas. Then the paper will be

circulated to each people so that the idea generation will be continued as many as good ideas were born

from this method.

Morphological Analysis

Morphological analysis or General morphological analysis is a method developed by Fritz Zwiky

(1967 - 1969) for exploring all the possible solutions to a multi – dimensional, non – quantified,

problem complex.

41


Generation of concepts

1. Developing an Ergonomic Knife / Mini Motor Knife

2. To Develop a Belt Strap Knife or with Motorised Cutter

42


1st Concept Ideations

Ergonomic Knife / Mini Motor Knife

43


2nd Concept Ideations Belt Strap Knife or With Motorised Cutter

1 2

3 4 Inspiration

44


2nd Concept Ideation

Belt Strap Knife or With Motorised Cutter

45



46




47




48



Selection of First Concept

49

Ergonomic Mini Motor Knife


Selection of Second Concept

50



Pugh's Selection

Sl. No Description 2

1 Automatic Manual + S

2 Economical Economical – +

3 Doesn't Require Skills Skilled S +

4 Handy Handy S –

5 Durability Without Charging No Charge – S

6 Maintenance Only Sharpening + +

7 Similar Cutting Angle Varies S +

8 Guides No Guide + +

Total Ʃ + 3 5

Total Ʃ – 2 1

Total Ʃ S 3 2

51


Final Concept

52


Final Concept

53


Final Concept

54

Project Schedule


Activity days 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 57

Pre-Project presentation

Literature review

documentation

user study/market study

data analysis

brain storming

Cconcept generation

ideation

concept detail sketching

concept selection

digital modeling

preparation for final presentation

Final presentation

final concept selection, iterationf the

selected concept

Final presentation

Interim

Presen

tation

55

Literature Review


Project of Mechanical Engineering Students 2007 – 2011 – Newspaper

Rubber tapping is the process of extraction of latex from the rubber trees. Latex is a white or slightly yellowish liquid

composed of rubber, protein, sugar, water etc. This latex is concentrated, compounded and then used in different forms for the

manufacture of various goods like the commonly seen rubber bands, gloves, condoms, foam beds, tyres etc.

For the manufacturing of these above given products we have all necessary mechanisms, from the manually operated machines

to the highly sophisticate automated machines which can produce large tones in few seconds. But the primary level procedure,

i.e. the tapping operation is still carried out manually and requires skilled labour. It is done with the help of specially made

knifes. Malaysian knifes and Indian knifes are mainly used. In the coming future the world is going to face a great shortage in

availability in labours.

Taking these problems into consideration engineers all around the world are trying to develop alternative ways for the tapping

process. But till date no good design has been brought up except from a Malaysian company. Due to many defects and

drawback of this machine, tapping sector is still on the same traditional path.

We have studied about the various situations of tapping and other required data and have come with a design for rubber tapping

machine. This has helped us in developing a prototype of a mechanized system. Experiments carried out with this machine

have revealed that it will be the best possible alternative to traditional tapping. This can help even the unskilled ones to carry

out operation. We also expect it could make a great revolutionary change in the field of tapping.

Literature Review


Literature Review


New Straits Times – April 8, 1991- Newspaper Review


Future Concept For Development

Generated Future Concept from the Final Belt Concept

Combination of laser and maglev

train technology

59


Technology Review - Future Concept

Laser Refractive Surgery in India

Laser refractive surgery is an eye surgery that is used to improve the refractive state of the eye and decrease or

eliminate dependency on spectacles or lenses. This surgery is becoming progressively popular as people are

turning to alternatives to traditional spectacles and lenses for correcting vision. Laser refractive surgery has

successfully been performed on millions of patients worldwide. However, many people are not good candidates

for laser refractive surgery. The evolution of laser refractive surgery technology has led to additional method used

to treat refractive errors. Nowadays eye patients have a range of vision correction treatments available to them

from the insertion of implantable contact lenses to several variations of the laser technique.

Laser refractive surgery:

Laser refractive surgery includes any procedure designed to treat the refractive errors myopia (nearsightedness),

hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. There are many types of laser refractive surgery in the market. Laser

refractive surgery is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front

of the eye, using an excimer laser.

60


Laser refractive surgery:

Laser refractive surgery includes any procedure designed to treat the refractive errors myopia (nearsightedness),

hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. There are many types of laser refractive surgery in the market. Laser

refractive surgery is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front

of the eye, using an excimer laser.

Structure of cornea:

The transparent cornea has five distinct layers and is about one - half millimetres thick. The most exterior layer of

cornea, called epithelium provides the smooth refractive surface and barrier against infection. The role of

bowman's membrane and its basement membrane is unclear. The stroma provides structure and accounts for ninety

percent of the corneal thickness. Endothelium cells are responsible for the natural corneal dehydration that is

important for corneal clarity.

Other types of refractive surgery:

The other refractive surgeries used to reshape the cornea are Radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive

keratectomy (PRK). In radial keratotomy a very sharp knife is used to cut slits in the cornea to change its shape.

Photorefractive keratectomy is the first the first surgical method developed to reshape the cornea using a laser.

Later, lasik surgery was developed to reshape cornea. Lasik and photorefractive surgery involve the use of same

type of laser. The major difference between the photorefractive and lasik surgery is the way that the stroma, the

middle layer of the cornea is exposed before it is vaporized with the laser treatment. In photorefractive surgery, the

top layer of the cornea, epithelium is scraped away to expose the stromal layer underneath. In lasik surgery, a flap

is cut in the stromal layer and the flap is folded back. Another type refractive surgery is thermokeratoplasty. In this

surgery heat is used to reshape the cornea. The source of the heat can be a laser; however this laser is different

from the one that is used for lasik and PRK.


61


Hospitals for laser refractive surgery in India:

• Max eye care hospital, New Delhi

• Shroff eye hospital, Mumbai

• Chaudhary eye centre and laser vision, New Delhi

• Ojas laser eye surgery centre, Mumbai

• Laser Rx hi tech eye surgery clinic, Alkapuri


62



63


Electrodynamic suspension

In electrodynamic suspension (EDS), both the guide way and the train exert a magnetic field, and the train is

levitated by the repulsive and attractive force between these magnetic fields. In some configurations, the train can

be levitated only by repulsive force. In the early stages of JR-Maglev development in Miyazaki test track, a

repulsive system was used, instead. This fact sometimes causes conception that the EDS system is a repulsive one,

but that is not true. The magnetic field in the train is produced by either superconducting magnets (as in JR–

Maglev) or by an array of permanent magnets (as in Inductrack). The repulsive and attractive force in the track is

created by an induced magnetic field in wires or other conducting strips in the track. A major advantage of the EDS

maglev systems is that they are naturally stable – minor narrowing in distance between the track and the magnets

creates strong forces to repel the magnets back to their original position, while a slight increase in distance greatly

reduces the repulsive force and again returns the vehicle to the right separation. In addition, the attractive force

varies in the opposite manner, providing the same adjustment effects. No feedback control is needed.

EDS systems have a major downside as well. At slow speeds, the current induced in these coils and the

resultant magnetic flux is not large enough to support the weight of the train. For this reason, the train must have

wheels or some other form of landing gear to support the train until it reaches a speed that can sustain levitation.

Since a train may stop at any location, due to equipment problems for instance, the entire track must be able to

support both low-speed and high-speed operation. Another downside is that the EDS system naturally creates a field

in the track in front and to the rear of the lift magnets, which acts against the magnets and creates a form of drag.

This is generally only a concern at low speeds (This is one of the reasons why JR abandoned repulsive system and

adopted sidewall levitation system); at higher speeds the effect does not have time to build to its full potential and

other forms of drag dominate.


64


The drag force can be used to the electrodynamic system's advantage, however, as it creates a varying force in the

rails that can be used as a reactionary system to drive the train, without the need for a separate reaction plate, as in

most linear motor systems. Laithwaite led development of such "traverse-flux" systems at his Imperial

College laboratory. Alternatively, propulsion coils on the guide way are used to exert a force on the magnets in the

train and make the train move forward. The propulsion coils that exert a force on the train are effectively a linear

motor: an alternating current through the coils generates a continuously varying magnetic field that moves forward

along the track. The frequency of the alternating current is synchronized to match the speed of the train. The offset

between the field exerted by magnets on the train and the applied field creates a force moving the train forward.


65


Reference

1. http://www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/print/volume-41/issue-3/departments/tree-felling-with-lasers-a-big-idea-in-1965.html

2. http://www.quantel-laser.com/laser-damage-testing.html

3. http://www.buildlog.net/cnc_laser/cnc_build_research.htm

4. http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train.htm

5. http://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://ninpope-physics.comuv.com/maglev/images/howitworks/eds_detailed.jpg&imgrefurl=http://ninpope-

physics.comuv.com/maglev/howitworks.php&h=300&w=415&sz=46&tbnid=_vE2kSbnsW1e6M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=125&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dm

agnetic%2Btrains%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=magnetic+trains&usg=__66TidKMxYmFMY2TD4WaYNzALC84=&hl=en-

IN&sa=X&ei=Nj1EUIzzI4jtrQfT1oCoDw&ved=0CCUQ9QEwAg

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO8b2Zp_aW8

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi1kPRfnos0

8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting

9. http://spikenzielabs.com/SpikenzieLabs/Laser_How_To.html

10. http://www.lexellaser.com/techinfo_wavelengths.htm

11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex#cite_note-3

12. http://rubberboard.org.in/rubbercultivation.asp

13. http://rubberboard.org.in/

14. http://www.healthaidindia.com/Eye-Care-in-India/Laser-Refractive-Surgery-in-India.html

15. http://sarawak-rubbertapper.tripod.com/process.htm

16. http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2101

66

http://www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/print/volume-41/issue-3/departments/tree-felling-with-lasers-a-big-idea-in-1965.html































http://www.quantel-laser.com/laser-damage-testing.html















http://www.buildlog.net/cnc_laser/cnc_build_research.htm









http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train.htm













http://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://ninpope-physics.comuv.com/maglev/images/howitworks/eds_detailed.jpg&imgrefurl=http://ninpope-physics.comuv.com/maglev/howitworks.php&h=300&w=415&sz=46&tbnid=_vE2kSbnsW1e6M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=125&prev=/search?q=magnetic+trains&tbm=isch&tbo=u&zoom=1&q=magnetic+trains&usg=__66TidKMxYmFMY2TD4WaYNzALC84=&hl=en-IN&sa=X&ei=Nj1EUIzzI4jtrQfT1oCoDw&ved=0CCUQ9QEwAg




























































































http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO8b2Zp_aW8












http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi1kPRfnos0










http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting








http://spikenzielabs.com/SpikenzieLabs/Laser_How_To.html








http://www.lexellaser.com/techinfo_wavelengths.htm










http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex









http://rubberboard.org.in/rubbercultivation.asp









http://rubberboard.org.in/








http://www.healthaidindia.com/Eye-Care-in-India/Laser-Refractive-Surgery-in-India.html
























http://sarawak-rubbertapper.tripod.com/process.htm











http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2101











Reference

1. http://www.hiwtc.com/products/rubber-tapping-knife-394277-16339.htm

2. http://www.ghumakkar.com/2008/06/19/palakkad-and-the-story-of-rubber-making/

3. http://japanontop.com/index.php?key=rubber+tapping+knife

4. http://www.murickens.com/realestate/HistoryOfRubber.asp

5. http://www.sayaanakbangsamalaysia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=223:iron-forged&catid=40:tale-in-ten&Itemid=76

6. http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/rubber-tapping-knife.html

7. http://keralafarmeronline.com/taping-to-extract-food-storage/lang/en/

8. http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/AD221E/AD221E06.htm

9. http://www.dericsimmonsod.com/images/eye-diagram-anatomy-condition-treatment.jpg?nxg_versionuid=published

10. http://nursingcrib.com/wp-content/uploads/lasik-eye-surgery.jpg?9d7bd4

11. http://www.lasereyeturkey.com/www.LaserEyeTurkey.com/images/LASIK-32.jpg



14. http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-k3GJxXCYdyR_0IgF_UnhZudVBGrw8JCj2AB_mW1p7oCajeLiPA

15. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev

67

http://www.hiwtc.com/products/rubber-tapping-knife-394277-16339.htm

















http://www.ghumakkar.com/2008/06/19/palakkad-and-the-story-of-rubber-making/

























http://japanontop.com/index.php?key=rubber+tapping+knife







http://www.murickens.com/realestate/HistoryOfRubber.asp









http://www.sayaanakbangsamalaysia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=223:iron-forged&catid=40:tale-in-ten&Itemid=76






















http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/rubber-tapping-knife.html













http://keralafarmeronline.com/taping-to-extract-food-storage/lang/en/













http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/AD221E/AD221E06.htm
















http://www.dericsimmonsod.com/images/eye-diagram-anatomy-condition-treatment.jpg?nxg_versionuid=published

















http://nursingcrib.com/wp-content/uploads/lasik-eye-surgery.jpg?9d7bd4


















http://www.lasereyeturkey.com/www.LaserEyeTurkey.com/images/LASIK-32.jpg













































http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-k3GJxXCYdyR_0IgF_UnhZudVBGrw8JCj2AB_mW1p7oCajeLiPA


























http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev








Special Thanks

• Rubber Research Institute, Kottayam

• FCI O/E/N Connectors, Ernakulam

68

rubber tapping equipment

Documents

rubber latex

rubber tree

tapping knife

existing rubber

development of rubber

methods ideation concept

methodology methods

parametric study