Structural Analysis and Design Improvement of the Lightweight Applicator Handheld Spreader Frame Using Solidworks Simulation

Manual fertilizer application in oil palm plantation faces huge ergonomic hazard due to the use of conventional fertilizer application equipment which are too heavy for efficient application. This research responds to these challenges by analyzing the geometry and optimizing the parameters of the Lightweight Applicator Handheld Spreader (LAHS) frame. The virtual prototype method was used to test the frame with SolidWorks Simulation and with Shell Elements the mesh point was loaded, while at the places of welded connections there occurred singular stress gradient and were used some local mesh control. The research aligned with the fact that there was significant over engineering of the same prototype that was found and resulted in a three-stage process of Optimizing the prototype by Design for Manufacturability (DFM). The mass reduction of 36.09% was realized in the end with the desired design made in commercially available AISI 304 stainless steel. The design was then computational validated using 19.1 mm square tubing, 25.4 mm circular handles and it maintained a very good of structural factor safety (FOS) of 2.092 and a maximum structural deflection (MSD) of 2.851 mm.