Arc-Bottom Pallet Box Assembly for Thermal Expansion Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pallet box assemblies used for transporting heavy and high-temperature metal mill by-products face structural damage due to static and dynamic forces, as well as thermal expansion, which compromises their integrity and requires frequent repairs or replacements.

Innovation Solution

A pallet box assembly design featuring a tub with upwardly arc-shaped bottom plates and side walls, connected via less structurally critical areas to reduce stress and thermal expansion impacts, combined with a frame structure that includes lateral and connecting rails for enhanced support and a floating lock mechanism for thermal expansion accommodation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the tub and frame are constructed as a unibody structure with integrated components, then the structural integrity is improved, but the damage to the frame from thermal expansion and impact forces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidframe durability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pallet box assembly is divided into separate components: the tub (receptacle portion) and the frame (shell) are constructed as distinct, separable elements rather than an integrated unibody structure. This allows the tub to be replaced independently when damaged, preventing frame damage from compromising the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tub is extracted as a separate, removable component from the frame structure. The tub can be detached and replaced without damaging the frame, isolating the receptacle portion from the structural shell to prevent damage transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tub is rigidly connected to the frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the thermal expansion of the tub compromises the frame integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidframe integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the tub and frame transitions from a rigid, fixed connection to a dynamic, movable connection. The tub is positioned within the frame with clearance to allow thermal expansion and contraction, while still maintaining structural stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the assembly have different connection characteristics: the tub is loosely positioned within the frame to allow thermal movement, while the frame itself maintains rigid structural integrity for mounting and support functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tub receives high-temperature slag, then the functionality for transporting metal mill by-products is improved, but the localized thermal expansion causes damage over time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidassembly durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tub is extracted as a separate, replaceable component that can withstand high-temperature slag. When the tub becomes damaged from thermal stress, it can be replaced without affecting the frame, maintaining long-term reliability of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design accommodates temperature parameter changes by allowing the tub to thermally expand and contract within the frame structure. The separable construction enables the tub to handle high-temperature variations without transferring damage to the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If the tub is constructed as a single integrated piece, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the impact forces from loading and unloading cause structural damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is segmented into the tub and frame as separate components. The tub can be manufactured as a simple receptacle, while the frame provides the structural strength to handle impact forces from loading and unloading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed to absorb and cushion impact forces from loading and unloading operations before they reach the tub. The separable construction allows the frame to protect the tub from impact damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design enhances the structural integrity and durability of the pallet box assembly by distributing impact and thermal stresses more effectively, reducing the need for frequent repairs and extending the service life of both the tub and frame.

Implementation Method 1

some pallet box assemblies may receive high-temperature slag, which can cause localized thermal expansion in the area of the pallet box assembly proximate to the slag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

The pallet box assembly comprises a tub for receiving material and a frame to carry the tub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12065281B2Pallet box assembly
Publication Date: 2024.08.20 SSAB TECHNOLOGY AB
  • US12065281B2 patent drawing
  • US12065281B2 patent drawing
  • US12065281B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described is a pallet box assembly for receiving and transporting heavy and/or high temperature objects. The pallet box assembly includes a tub and frame configured for receiving the tub. The tub has a bottom plate comprising two lateral side portions and at least one upwardly arc-shaped portion therebetween. Each of the two side portions further has a bent section, the bent section forming a longitudinally extending corner portion of the tub, and a substantially vertical section connecting to the bent section, the substantially vertical section reaching upwards from the bent section to align and connect to the respective side plate, wherein the substantially vertical section and the respective side plates further includes a longitudinally extending connection area.