Elevator

The objective of the elevator system is to lift the trilateral fork along
with the pallet to two predetermined heights, from which the fork can then load or unload onto the shelf.

Elevator: Welcome

Final CAD Assembly

The full assembly was modelled in SolidWorks, allowing changes to made easily.

Subframe Design

This component moved up and down the height of the column, and provided the base onto which the Trilateral fork was mounted.

Design Optimisation

FEA was carried out in order to determine the load bearing capacity of the subframe. In the simulation, the subframe was loaded to 700N, which exceeds the project specification. The maximum displacement was only 0.63mm.

Manufacture

Profiles for the entire frame were cut and welded. Wheels were mounted to the subframe. Pulleys and shafts were attached. Drive components were mounted and the steel cable was wired throughout.

A total of 16 shafts were produced with a lathe. 13 feature in the subframe, 12 for the wheels and rollers, and 1 for the two pulleys.

Drum

This was designed and manufactured from scratch. The steel cable used to raise and lower the subframe was wound around the drum.

Final Manufactured Assembly

Elevator: Work

Elevator Demonstration

Elevator: Video