Kyle Burlingame

ANALYSIS

The first step in this project was to figure out all of the different stacking patterns for the apple boxes. Next the weight was determined for the boxes that needed to be lifted and how much surface area was available for each box configuration.  All maximum and minimum values were taken in to consideration for the calculations of the device. Key factors here are determining what surface area is available to squeeze and how much weight will be lifted. Once this was determined the plates were optimized to the correct size. After the plates were sized, the force required to squeeze the boxes without slipping was calculated from the weight of each pattern and the respective surface area. From there the torque required from the lever arm was calculated as well. The air cylinders have to make the needed force to apply this torque to the arm. Once the weight of the boxes was known, the force needed to lift the boxes can be calculated. After those calculations were completed, the structure was optimized to handle these forces and stresses without failure.