Alternative Design and Development of Material Handling Platform

Abstract

In a world where efficiency and sustainability in logistics are increasingly significant, innovative load-carrying solutions are essential. This study investigates the mechanical performance of a conventional plastic pallet compared to a newly proposed P-Sling design using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). FEA serves as a powerful tool to simulate real-world conditions, enabling accurate predictions of stress, deformation, and structural reliability. Initial results show that the original P-Sling design exhibits higher displacement and stress, which aligns with its intended flexibility for dynamic use. In contrast, the plastic pallet, designed as a rigid structure, displays only minor bending but may be prone to failure under prolonged stress. To further enhance the P-Sling’s performance, its base thickness is increased from 1 mm to 10 mm, significantly reducing stress and deformation while maintaining its flexible nature. Although the plastic pallet maintains greater rigidity, the improved P-Sling presents a promising and adaptable alternative, particularly in environments that require both flexibility and strength under dynamic loads. This study addresses an important gap by applying Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to the P-Sling design, offering new insights into optimizing the performance of flexible load-bearing structures in changing conditions.