Adjustable Sod Carriers for Multi-Size Pallet Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sod handling apparatuses face inefficiencies in stacking sod rolls on pallets, particularly when using non-standard pallet sizes like the CHEP1210A, as they require multiple trips and increased clearance space, which can slow down the sod harvesting process.
Innovation Solution
A sod handling apparatus with adjustable sod carriers that can be configured into various positions to accommodate different stacking patterns, allowing simultaneous pick-up and deposition of sod rolls, reducing the need for multiple trips and minimizing clearance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing sod handling apparatuses use fixed carrier configurations, then they can handle standard pallet sizes, but they require multiple trips and increased clearance space when handling non-standard pallet sizes like CHEP1210A
Solution Approach 1:
The sod carrier apparatus employs movable carriers that can be repositioned along the conveyor structure, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its configuration. This enables the apparatus to handle both standard and non-standard pallet sizes (like CHEP1210A) without requiring multiple trips, as the carriers can be arranged to match the specific pallet dimensions being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal carriers that can accommodate multiple pallet types through reconfiguration. The same carrier system can handle North American pallets, CHEP1210A pallets, and other non-standard sizes by adjusting carrier positions, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment for each pallet type and improving overall productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing apparatuses make multiple trips to stack sod rolls on non-standard pallets, then they can accommodate different pallet sizes, but the harvesting process speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic repositioning of sod carriers allows the system to adapt to different pallet sizes in a single continuous operation. Carriers can be moved to appropriate positions along the conveyor to match the dimensions of non-standard pallets like CHEP1210A, enabling complete stacking in one trip rather than multiple trips, thereby maintaining high harvesting speed while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the conveyor structure to position carriers at various locations, allowing accommodation of different pallet widths and lengths. This dimensional flexibility enables the system to handle diverse pallet sizes without compromising operational speed, as all adjustments occur within the continuous flow of the conveyor system.
3Ease of operation
If existing sod handling apparatuses require increased clearance space, then they can maneuver fixed carriers, but the overall equipment footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable carrier system requires minimal clearance space because carriers slide or reposition along the existing conveyor structure rather than requiring large open areas for maneuvering. The dynamic adjustment mechanism is integrated into the conveyor framework, allowing carriers to be repositioned within a compact footprint while maintaining ease of operation through controlled movement along predefined paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of stacking sod rolls on a pallet includes operating a sod handling apparatus of a sod harvester to form a plurality of layers of the sod rolls on the pallet. Each layer contains nine sod rolls comprising a row of five sod rolls positioned next to each other, a first pair of sod rolls oriented perpendicular to the five sod rolls of the row and positioned adjacent an inner end of the row, and a second pair of sod rolls oriented perpendicular to the five sod rolls of the row and positioned adjacent the inner end of the row parallel and in alignment with the first pair of sod rolls. The plurality of layers are flipped relative to each other in an alternating manner to position the row of five sod rolls of each upper layer atop the first and second pairs of sod rolls of a respective lower layer parallel with the row of five sod rolls of the lower layer, and the first and second pairs of sod rolls of the upper layer atop the row of five sod rolls of the lower layer parallel with the first and second pairs of sod rolls of the lower layer.