Double Back Stop Pallet Rack Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for maintaining a minimum separation between pallets on adjacent racks are cumbersome to install and prone to failure under lateral loads, as they require extensive attachment means and are structurally weak.
Innovation Solution
A double back stop system with minimal installation steps, comprising first and second back stops connected by a middle section with a vertical cross-member, and optional features like clips, webs, or slots, to securely maintain the separation between pallets on adjacent racks, enhancing structural integrity against lateral loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Z-stop brackets with extensive attachment means are used, then separation between pallets is maintained, but installation becomes cumbersome and structural strength under lateral loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The back stop is divided into multiple segments (first back stop, second back stop, and middle section) that can be attached separately to adjacent racks. This segmentation simplifies installation by allowing each component to be attached independently rather than requiring extensive attachment means for a single large structure, while maintaining the separation function through the coordinated arrangement of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle section combines the first and second back stops into a unified structure that spans between adjacent racks. This merging creates a continuous separation barrier that maintains reliability under lateral loads by distributing forces across the entire assembly rather than relying on isolated attachment points.
2Reliability
If conventional Z-stop brackets are used, then separation is provided, but structural strength under lateral loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The back stop structure extends into the lateral dimension by spanning between adjacent racks with the middle section connecting first and second back stops. This dimensional extension creates a distributed load-bearing structure that resists lateral loads more effectively than conventional brackets by spreading forces across multiple attachment points and structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The back stop system functions as a composite structure combining multiple components (back stops, middle section, clips, webs) that work together to resist lateral loads. The integration of these elements creates a unified load-bearing assembly with enhanced strength characteristics compared to single-component conventional brackets.
3Ease of operation
If minimal installation steps are implemented, then ease of installation improves, but structural integrity under lateral loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The back stop components are designed to be attached in a predetermined sequence (first back stop to first rack, second back stop to second rack, middle section connecting them) that simplifies installation while ensuring structural integrity. This preliminary arrangement of attachment steps allows for efficient installation without compromising the load-bearing capacity of the final assembled structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for maintaining a minimum separation between pallets positioned on racks. The system comprising a double back stop. The stop includes: a first and a second back stop configured to prevent lateral movement of the pallets beyond the back stops, the back stops defining a minimum separation between the pallets; and a middle section connecting the back stops includes a vertical cross-member; and one or more of the following: a clip forming a channel affixed to the double back stop, and/or a web affixed to the double back stop, and/or member affixed to the double back stop, and/or a slot in the double back stop.