Morgantown, West Virginia
March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023
March 25, 2023
9
10.18260/1-2--44690
https://strategy.asee.org/44690
191
Robert J. Michael, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor in the Mechanical Department at Gannon University, obtained his B.S.M.E. degree from Akron University where he graduated summa cum laude, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical and aerospace engine
This paper reports on a multi-year engineering design project involving undergraduate engineering students. The project involves the design, development, and prototyping of a next generation pallet rack column guard. The guard allows for the engagement and protection of a storage rack upright (column) from an impact force by an external object such as a forklift. The guard protects the storage rack by absorbing and damping the resulting impact force. The guard is constructed from an injection-molded thermoset elastomer. Elastomers can store and release more potential energy per unit mass (or volume) than steel and plastic guards. This translates to greater energy absorption which will help preserve the structural integrity of a rack upon impact thus protecting the general public in retail (big-box) stores and warehouses. The main objective of the project is for the student to experience the open-ended, iterative nature of the design process. Students also perform impact and stiffness testing on numerous prototyped designs. These designs are benchmarked against current designs and optimized for enhanced performance. Finally, students are engaged in production, marketing and web-site development after the product is finalized. The design project supports ABET Student Outcome 5 and 7: Ability to function effectively on a team, and Ability to acquire new knowledge.
Michael, R., & Gee, D., & Kurchena, M. K. (2023, March), Development of Next Generation Column Guard for Storage Rack Protection Paper presented at 2023 ASEE North Central Section Conference, Morgantown, West Virginia. 10.18260/1-2--44690
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