Cylindrical Transport Assembly for Mixed-Pallet Stacking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of a single international standard for pallets leads to inefficiencies and increased costs in logistics, as different sizes and load ratings result in wasted volume and potential instability during storage and transport, particularly when irregular loads or mixed pallets are handled.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical transport/storage assembly comprising a sleeve and a cover, which can be flat-packed for storage, providing upstanding walls and a closure system that allows secure stacking and support for loads, while accommodating different pallet sizes and types, and includes features like apertures for fork lift access and engagement channels for stability, and can be made from materials like cardboard or polystyrene for added strength and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different sized pallets are used to accommodate various loads, then adaptability is improved, but wasted volume and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical transport assembly serves multiple functions: it can accommodate palletized goods, non-palletized goods, and irregularly shaped loads within a single standardized container design. The universal cylindrical shape with standardized dimensions allows it to replace multiple pallet sizes while eliminating wasted space between and around loads.
2Ease of operation
If traditional pallets are used for storage and transport, then ease of handling is improved, but stability during stacking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical shape provides inherent stacking stability through its curved geometry, which distributes loads evenly and prevents toppling. The curved surfaces allow for stable vertical stacking and interlocking arrangements, eliminating the instability associated with traditional flat pallets during storage and transport operations.
3Strength
If pallets are designed for specific dimensions and load ratings, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical transport assembly is designed as a universal container that can accommodate various load types including palletized goods, non-palletized goods, and irregularly shaped items. The standardized cylindrical structure maintains structural strength while providing adaptability to different load configurations and sizes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mixed pallet sizes are used in storage, then adaptability is improved, but space utilization and transport efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of container shape from traditional flat pallets to cylindrical forms. This parameter change enables standardized dimensions that optimize space utilization in storage and transport, while the cylindrical geometry allows for efficient stacking and arrangement patterns that improve overall transport efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of goods and to a transport and storage system and, in particular, a system for the transportation and storage of goods such as palletized goods and self-standing goods. The present invention seeks to provide a system that can enable goods to be securely and reliably horizontally, vertically and offset stacked, despite different sizes of goods and support members therefor, such as pallets, whereby wasted volumes arising from the presence of irregular loads, pallets or pallets of different levels or different load ratings in storage and transport can be minimized.