Concave Pallet Deck for Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pallet loads experience instability due to 'flowering' when lifted or moved, leading to reduced stability and increased costs from strapping or wrapping to secure the load, as well as instability from centrifugal and lateral forces during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A pallet with a concave load support surface, defined by a tapered deck surface that tapers in height from the inner to the outer perimeter, providing increased stability and resistance to centrifugal and lateral forces without the need for additional securing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If strapping or wrapping is used to secure the load, then load stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilizing function from external securing mechanisms (straps, wraps) and embeds it directly into the pallet deck structure through the concave surface geometry. The stabilizing effect is built into the pallet itself rather than added through separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave load support surface provides self-stabilizing functionality through its geometric design. The tapered sides create natural load containment and centering without requiring external active control or additional securing components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If strapping or wrapping is used to secure the load, then load stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is extracted from external securing materials (straps, wraps) and integrated into the pallet deck structure itself through the concave surface, eliminating the need for additional securing materials and their associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the load support surface from flat to concave with tapered sides. This geometric parameter change provides the stabilizing effect that previously required external materials, thereby reducing material costs.
3Productivity
If the load is moved on conveyor or through production processes, then productivity is improved, but load stability deteriorates due to vibration and centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The concave load support surface provides preliminary stabilizing action by creating geometric constraints that counteract the effects of vibration and centrifugal forces before they can cause load instability. The tapered sides preemptively contain the load during dynamic movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved surfaces (concave load support surface with tapered sides) instead of flat surfaces to provide better load stability during movement. The curved geometry naturally guides and contains the load, reducing the impact of vibration and centrifugal forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet including a pallet deck supported along a base plane. The pallet deck defines a load support surface within a given perimeter. The pallet deck includes at least one hand hole extending therethrough. The at least one hand hole is defined by a circumferential wall extending below the load support surface. The circumferential wall has a lower edge with a curved surface defined along at least a portion of the lower edge of the circumferential wall.