amala making machine

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AMALA MAKING MACHINE In response to the problem encountered by most people in preparing amala (a common food in the south-western part of Nigeria), a machine (amala making machine) has been made which provide easy and stress-free means of preparing amala. Amala making machine comprises of six major parts namely the pot, the spatula, the motor, the cam, the frame and the heating element. The heating element and the motor are connected to a source of power. The heating element located at the base of the pot provides heat for boiling the water in the pot. After the water has reached the boiling point, the yam flour will be poured into the boiling water in the proportion of the water. The motor located at the top of the frame will be started and the shaft from the motor is connected to the cam (embedded under the cover of the pot). Therefore, the cam is rotated by the motor. A profile for the motion of the spatula has been cut under the cam in which there is a bearing holding the spatula. As the cam rotates, so also the spatula move in a random motion throughout the pot and thereby mix the yam flour until it become sticky.