Finite Element Analysis-based Simulation of Carton Clamp Truck Handling

Carton clamps and forklift attachments allow users to efficiently handle shipping units including unitized loads, large shipping cases, and crates without the need for pallets. As the use of palletless handling by clamp trucks increases, the need for simulation research on clamp truck handling also grows. This study defines an analysis model for a segment of a heavyweight corrugated package (HCP) (L ×W× D = 1,003 × 980 × 1,880 mm, weight = 1,760 N). Finite element analysis (FEA) evaluated the slippage of the HCP under various conditions, using a representative load. The FEA results indicated minimal change in slippage beyond a certain clamping pressure. The slippage was lowest when the rubber contact pad on the carton-clamp truck arm was trapezoidal. Additionally, the slippage of HCP was reduced by more than 50% when using double-wall corrugated paperboard compared to single-wall corrugated paperboard. Under the same conditions, the error between the minimum clamping pressure estimated by the improved minimum clamping pressure model and the pressure analyzed through FEA was approximately 12%. Thus, if the physical properties used in FEA are enhanced, the FEA-based simulation technique can more accurately estimate the minimum clamping pressure during carton clamp truck handling.