Side-by-Side Coupled Pallets for Standard Forklift Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carts or pallets cannot be efficiently moved and lifted together using standard lift trucks, as they require specialized equipment with four fork tangs, which is costly and inefficient, especially in warehouse and distribution centers.
Innovation Solution
Designing carts or pallets with coupling means at the top and bottom that allow them to be coupled side by side, enabling them to be moved and lifted together using a standard two-tine fork lift or pallet jack, thereby eliminating the need for specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two pallets are loaded at once with a lift truck, then loading efficiency is improved, but specialized lift truck equipment with four fork tangs is required
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate pallets are merged into a single coupled unit through coupling means that connect them together. This allows a standard two-tine lift truck to handle both pallets simultaneously as one unit, eliminating the need for specialized four-tang equipment while maintaining improved loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means enable standard lift truck equipment to perform multiple functions - handling single pallets or coupled pairs of pallets - without requiring specialized configurations. This universal approach allows existing equipment to achieve enhanced productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling means are added to carts or pallets, then side by side coupling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into separate coupling means attached to each cart or pallet, rather than integrating complexity into a central structure. Each unit independently carries its own coupling mechanism, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling versatile coupling capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet or cart which can be coupled to a similar pallet or cart in a side by side relationship is disclosed. The pallet or cart, at its one or right side, has a coupling, which cooperate with an associated coupling on the opposite or left side of an adjacent pallet or cart. The couplings and the associated couplings can be connected to connect the two pallets or carts together to make them capable of being moved together, and even be lifted and lowered together by a standard lift truck or fork lift or a standard pallet jack. The couplings are also releasable so that, when necessary, each pallet or cart may be used as would be a single pallet or cart. The pallet or cart may have one or more foldable shelves therein.