Modeling and Simulation of Gravity based Zig-zag Material Handling System for Transferring Materials in Multi Floor Industries

Abstract

Transferring materials from a higher place to a lower place is a challenging task. Conveyers, lifts and many more material handling devices are difficult to construct, install and operate. Thus a simple gravity based zig-zag material handling system which requires no external power to drive them has been developed. The buckets which are used are made to rotate about a certain axis thereby enabling them to transfer the materials efficiently. This system can be used in places where the space is limited. The system has been modeled using SOLIDWORKSTM and simulated using MSC ADAMSTM. A prototype has been made which shows how the system works. The results indicate that it is an efficient way for material transfer in vertical direction. It can be used in industries and machining centers where there are multi floors and materials need to be transferred from top to bottom floors. Keywords: Gravity Based MHS, Limiters, Powerless MHS, Top-Down Material Transfer, Transfer Buckets, Vertical Material Transfer, Vertical Projection