Designing and Construction of a Traditional Hand Bellow Device.
A traditional hand bellows is a manual device designed to produce a strong burst of air to fuel a fire. It typically consists of a hollow tube containing a propeller and a piston, which is manually operated. By turning the wheel connected to the axle via the piston, the air is drawn in through a hol...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Kabale University
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12493/2741 |
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| Summary: | A traditional hand bellows is a manual device designed to produce a strong burst of air to fuel a fire. It typically consists of a hollow tube containing a propeller and a piston, which is manually operated. By turning the wheel connected to the axle via the piston, the air is drawn in through a hole, channeled through the tube, and directed toward the fire to intensify the flames. Hand bellows have been utilized for centuries across various cultures to control and maintain fires for purposes such as cooking, heating, and blacksmithing. The main advantage of a traditional hand bellows is its cost-effectiveness in producing a strong airflow for fire management. However, a key limitation is that once the propeller stops spinning, the airflow diminishes, reducing the fire’s intensity. The mechanism involves pushing and pulling the piston to force air through the tube, which increases the flame's intensity. Blacksmithing, an ancient craft involving the shaping and forging of metals such as iron, steel, and copper, relies heavily on tools like the bellows. Blacksmiths create diverse items, including tools, weapons, decorations, and architectural components, using techniques like hammering, bending, and cutting. The combination of bellows and burners plays a critical role in generating heat for metalworking processes globally. These devices typically comprise two main components: a flexible structure that channels air to oxidize fuel and a heat-resistant base that serves as a container for the intense heat required for metal smithing. Bellows and burners are vital in the metal industry for service delivery and income generation. However, limited attention has been given to improving the design and functionality of these tools, particularly for small-scale industries, which could benefit greatly from operational and financial advancements. This study explored the challenges in the metalworking industry related to the design and operation of bellows and burners. Using descriptive and experimental methods, the study aimed to document the procedures involved in developing a new design for these tools. Data were collected through purposive sampling from 480 respondents using interviews and observations. As a result, a mechanized, two-way operational bellows and burner system was developed, addressing the identified challenges and offering significant improvements for the metal smithing industry. |
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