Monolithic Composite Drum Pallet With Anti-Shift Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallets are prone to shifting during transport, leading to potential damage and safety issues, especially in sensitive environments, and are not suitable for use in explosion-proof areas due to the risk of wood particles being released.
Innovation Solution
A pallet design featuring a deck and blocks forming a monolithic body made of compression molded thermoset composite, with integrated skids and vertical protrusions to secure drums in place, and optionally reinforced with metal profiles, ensuring stability and preventing shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a smooth deck is used on the pallet, then the pallet can be used for general goods transport, but goods may shift during transport requiring additional securing efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet deck incorporates localized protrusions at specific positions to prevent drum shifting, while maintaining a otherwise smooth surface for general compatibility. This localized modification provides drum-specific stabilization without compromising the pallet's ability to handle other goods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-component pallets are used, then the pallet can be designed for specific drum applications, but the pallet becomes unstable and resistant to mechanical stress with limited durability
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet integrates the deck, blocks, and skids into a single monolithic body manufactured as one piece. This merging of components eliminates the instability and durability issues associated with multi-component pallets while preserving drum-specific functionality through the integrated protrusion design.
3Ease of manufacture
If wood-based pallets are used, then the pallet is cost-effective and easily manufacturable, but wood particles are released when parts break, creating safety hazards in sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is manufactured from a composite material (such as high-density polyethylene or other non-wood materials) that combines ease of manufacture with the advantage of not releasing harmful particles. The composite material can be molded into the required drum-supporting geometry while ensuring safety in pharmaceutical and explosion-proof environments.
4Ease of manufacture
If the deck and blocks are separate components, then the pallet can be assembled from standard parts, but more working steps are required and accidental removal of blocks is more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The deck and blocks are merged into a single monolithic body, eliminating the need for assembly steps and preventing accidental removal of separate blocks. This integration maintains manufacturability through single-piece molding while significantly reducing assembly complexity and improving structural reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design provides enhanced stability, reduces the risk of damage and particle release, and allows safe use in sensitive environments like the pharmaceutical industry and explosion-proof areas, while meeting load securing standards.
Implementation Method 1
The process of manufacturing such pallet is the compression moulding, what generates a very stable and durable product. Compression Moulding is a method of moulding in which the moulding material, generally preheated, is first placed in an open, heated mould cavity. The mould is closed with a top force or plug member, pressure is applied to force the material into contact with all mould areas, while heat and pressure are maintained until the moulding material has cured.
Implementation Method 2
The body consists of a compression molded thermoset composite. The process employs thermosetting resins in a partially cured stage, either in the form of granules, putty-like masses, or preforms. Compression molding is a high-volume, high-pressure method suitable for molding complex, high-strength fiberglass reinforcements.
Data Source
AI summary
The patent application concerns a drum pallet (10) suitable for positioning one drum or a plurality of drums thereon, wherein the pallet has a deck (11), skids (2) and a plurality of blocks (12), coupling the deck with the skids, thereby forming a gap (5) therebetween for receiving a lifting member. The deck and the plurality of blocks form one monolithic body (1). The skids are connected below the blocks to the blocks. The body consists of a compression molded thermoset composite. The upper surface (13) of the deck comprises vertical protrusions (14A, 14B) adapted to avoid shifting of the drum along the surface, if the drum is positioned on the deck and aligned with the protrusions.