Adhesive Tape Ring Wrapping for Stable Demi-Pallet Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Demi-pallets, with their reduced base dimensions, exhibit lower stability compared to standard pallets, necessitating a method to stabilize them effectively without increasing processing time or cost.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of adhesive tape to form a ring around two stacks of articles on separate pallets, each wrapped in containment bands, ensuring stability by adhering the tape to the bands at least half the vertical height of the stacks, and an apparatus to facilitate this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If demi-pallets are used to reduce space and avoid intermediate operations, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but stability of the pallet is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate demi-pallets by wrapping adhesive tape around both stacks of articles simultaneously, creating a stable configuration that leverages the interlocking weight distribution between adjacent pallets while maintaining the space-efficient demi-pallet format
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the stability issue by moving from a single-pallet vertical support model to a dual-pallet horizontal interlocking model, where stability is achieved through horizontal connection of adjacent pallets via adhesive tape wrapping around both stacks
2Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive tape is used to wrap around both stacks to stabilize them, then stability is improved, but processing time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stabilization function into a single adhesive tape wrapping operation that simultaneously secures both stacks together, eliminating the need for separate stabilization operations on each pallet and reducing overall processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape wrapping system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the two stacks together, provides individual containment for each stack, and stabilizes both demi-pallets in their interlocked configuration, all in one operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method and apparatus provide stable pallets with short processing times and low costs, allowing efficient packaging without additional time spent on removing containment bands at the point of sale.
Implementation Method 1
adhering the tape to the bands at least half the vertical height of the stacks
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A method is described for connecting and stabilizing a first stack of articles (A1), with a second stack of articles (A2), or with at least a second stack of articles (A2), positioned respectively on an upper support surface of a first pallet (P1) and an upper support surface of a second pallet (P2) independent of the first pallet (P1). The first stack of articles (A1) has a vertical height (h1) from the respective supporting surface and the second stack of articles has a vertical height (h2) from the respective supporting surface, optionally equal to the vertical height (h1) . The first stack of articles and the second stack of articles are individually wrapped, independently of each other, respectively in at least a first containment band (F1) and a second containment band (F2) which each form at least a ring around, and optionally in direct contact with, the respective stack (A1,A2) extending vertically to at least half the vertical height (h1,h2) of the respective stack, or wherein the first stack of articles and the second stack of articles each comprise a plurality of connection elements which connect the vertically stacked articles of each stack of articles to each other, preventing relative movement between said stacked articles at least in the horizontal direction. The first stack of articles and the second stack of articles lie horizontally next to each other. Said method comprising the step of wrapping together the first stack of articles and the second stack of articles with an adhesive tape (70), wrapped to form a ring (L) which simultaneously embraces both stacks of articles in a portion of said stacks having a vertical height greater than half the respective vertical height.