Concave Pallet Lip and Sloped Surface Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallets lack stability during product transport and storage, as they do not effectively manage package instability, and they do not optimize space usage when empty, leading to inefficient stacking and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of concave pallets with inward sloping surfaces and a lip around the perimeter, which creates an inward pressure to stabilize packages by tilting them towards the center, allowing for efficient stacking and interlocking with adjacent pallets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional flat pallets are used, then manufacturing is simple, but package stability during transport is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the pallet surface with concave regions and inwardly sloping portions instead of a flat surface. This curved geometry creates inward pressure on packages, directing instability toward the center and improving package stability during transport without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet features localized concave regions and inwardly sloping portions at specific areas rather than uniform modification across the entire surface. This local quality approach stabilizes packages in critical areas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and avoiding unnecessary complexity throughout the entire structure.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional pallets without stacking features are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but space efficiency during stacking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by designing the pallet with a lip extending beyond the perimeter of the upper surface and corresponding recesses on adjacent pallets. This allows pallets to nest within each other when stacked, optimizing space efficiency in storage and transport while adding only a single integrated structural feature.
3Loss of substance
If conventional solid pallets are used, then structural strength is sufficient, but material usage and weight are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by incorporating voided channels within the pallet structure instead of using solid material throughout. This divides the pallet into functional segments that provide structural support where needed while removing unnecessary material, reducing weight and material usage while maintaining adequate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet incorporates voided channels creating a porous internal structure that reduces material usage and weight. This porous design maintains structural integrity by strategically positioning voids away from critical load-bearing areas while removing excess material for cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A concave pallet with an inwardly sloping surface and lip is disclosed. The concave pallet includes a plurality of inwardly sloping surfaces meeting a surface plane equidistantly from the center point of the pallet. A lip encompasses the perimeter of the pallet and secures packages on the pallet. The lip interlocks with the bases of alike pallets for efficient stacking and storage when not in use for package shipment.