Finite Element Analysis and Design Optimization of Heavy-Duty Storage Systems for Automated Palm Oil Harvesting

Abstract

The palm-oil industry remains heavily dependent on manual labour for harvesting fresh fruit bunches (FFB), which creates challenges in productivity, cost, and worker safety. To support the move toward automation, this study focused on the design and validation of a square-shaped storage unit for an automated palm-oil harvester. A 3.0 m³ detachable storage bin with a maximum rated capacity of 900 kg was specified, reinforced with a steel frame and mesh walls. Analytical flexural strength checks were carried out on two representative faces of the bin, and finite element analysis (FEA) was performed in Autodesk Inventor to assess structural performance under a worst-case load of 10.4 kN. The results indicated that the maximum von Mises stress was 35 MPa, which remained below the allowable stress of 45.7 MPa, while the maximum displacement was limited to 1.695 mm at the centre of the panel. The safety factor analysis confirmed a minimum value of 15, matching the design target. These findings validate the structural adequacy and reliability of the proposed storage design and highlight its potential to reduce labour dependency in palm-oil harvesting.