Publication: Design analysis of a semi-automatic machine for collecting fresh fruit bunches (ffbs)
| datacite.subject.fos | oecd::Engineering and technology::Mechanical engineering::Mechanical engineering | |
| dc.contributor.author | Tan Xing Han | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-11T07:33:17Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-11T07:33:17Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-07-01 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Traditional manual methods of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) collection by using loading spike often involve repetitive and forceful movements, awkward postures, and heavy lifting, all of which significantly contribute to high Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores and increased ergonomic risk for workers. Consequently, there is a requirement for mechanization to address these issues. This project aims to design, develop, and analyse a semi-automatic prototype for effective collection of FFB without causing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), reducing the need for labour and enhancing overall efficiency and productivity in FFB collection. This project involves designs and simulations using SolidWorks and fabrication. The functionality and performance of the prototype are then analysed and discussed. Based on the motion analyses, the actuators are able to provide enough force to operate different mechanisms properly. Finite element static simulations also show that the structure of the prototype will not yield under load, exhibits minimal displacement, and has an adequate safety factor. Based on the functionality and performance testing of the prototype, the prototype is able to load both small and large FFB with the mass of 5.382 kg and 15.424 kg respectively into the tray. However, the scissor lift cannot function due to the failure of the motor coupling, and the tipping mechanism needs improvement to unload the FFB effectively. Moreover, the tray of the prototype has an estimated loading capacity of between 50 kg and 100 kg of FFB. The driving mechanism can be achieved by changing to a new motor driver, and the steering mechanism works well. The times for loading FFB, raising the scissor lift, and unloading FFB are 23.473 s, 27.24 s, and 17.5 s, respectively. Therefore, the total collection time, excluding transportation of the prototype, is 68.2 s. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://erepo.usm.my/handle/123456789/22583 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.title | Design analysis of a semi-automatic machine for collecting fresh fruit bunches (ffbs) | |
| dc.type | Resource Types::text::report::research report | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| oairecerif.author.affiliation | Universiti Sains Malaysia |