Collapsible Metal Pallet with Hinged Backwall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backrest pallets are typically made of wood, have limited reuse, and cannot be stacked due to size constraints, making them inefficient for handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible metal pallet with hinged sides and a backrest that can fold into a transport configuration, featuring an alignment system for stable stacking, a fixing system for secure deployment, and an identification device for tracking, allowing for efficient handling and storage of high-rise, low-footprint goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional backrest pallets are made of wood, then they can be manufactured easily and cheaply, but they have limited reuse and cannot be stacked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to metal, transforming the pallet from a single-use to a reusable, stackable structure while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized metal components and assembly methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces collapsible side walls with hinges and locking mechanisms that allow the pallet to dynamically change between expanded (working) and collapsed (storage/transport) states, enabling stacking and repeated use while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If backrest pallets are designed with vertical support for high goods, then they can handle goods of great height, but they cannot be stacked due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are designed with hinge joints and locking mechanisms that allow them to be expanded to vertical positions for handling high goods and collapsed to horizontal positions for compact stacking, enabling the pallet to adapt its volume based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are divided into multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing independent folding and collapsing of each section to reduce overall volume for stacking while maintaining full height capability when deployed
3Reliability
If the pallet structure is made collapsible with hinged components, then it can be stacked and reused, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into modular components (base, side walls, backrest, locking mechanisms) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying production and maintenance while enabling collapsibility and stacking functionality
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 collapsible design enhances the pallet's durability, reduces storage space requirements, and enables stable stacking, improving handling efficiency and reducing material waste through recyclable components.
Implementation Method 1
two sides between a folded position parallel to two opposite edges of the base and an unfolded position perpendicular to a plane parallel to the base, a backrest between a folded position parallel to another edge of the base and an unfolded position perpendicular to a plane parallel to the base
Implementation Method 2
the alignment system comprises at least one tongue projecting from the backsplash in a direction perpendicular to the backsplash, a tongue being fixed in the vicinity of at least one angle of the base of a first pallet in its transport configuration, the tab fitting into a notch located at the base of the foot of a second pallet
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The pallet (0) has a base (1) including two folding boards (2a, 2b) articulated between a folded position parallel to two opposite edges of the base and an unfolded position perpendicular to a plane parallel to the base. A splash plate (4) is movable to allow the pallet to be in a deployed configuration in which the boards and the splash plate are unfolded, and a shipping configuration in which boards and the splash plate are folded up on the base plate. A double latch fixing system (5) fixes each board at the splash plate when the pallet is in the deployed configuration. : The pallet includes an identification device having a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna or a bar code. USE : Collapsible metal pallet for handling of goods i.e. doors, by a forklift and/or a pallet truck. ADVANTAGE : The pallet allows transportation of tall goods such as doors by occupying a little floor space. The boards and the splash plate are folded up on the base plate correctly without deformation when the pallet is in the shipping configuration, thus achieving required place so as to limit the obstruction of the pallets in the shipping configuration and/or to facilitate stacking of the pallets. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a perspective view of the pallet in a deployed configuration. 0 : Pallet 1 : Base 2a, 2b : Folding boards 4 : Splash plate 5 : Double latch fixing system.