Dual-Flap Pallet Assembly for Bidirectional Parcel Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in warehouse logistics are limited by their ability to sort parcels only in one direction, requiring path changes when compartments are not aligned with the vehicle's running direction, leading to reduced efficiency and increased regulation difficulty.
Innovation Solution
A pallet assembly with two flaps that can selectively turn over in different directions, allowing the sorting robot to unload goods into compartments on opposite sides without changing its path, facilitated by a flap driving assembly and transmission rod groups to control the flaps' movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pallets with separate components are used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pallet components (deck boards, stringers, blocks) into a single integrated molded pallet structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly operations while maintaining the functional benefits of multi-component designs, thereby reducing assembly time and labor costs without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded pallet is designed with universal features that can accommodate different block configurations and attachment methods. The integrated structure incorporates standardized interfaces and mounting points that allow the same base design to serve multiple assembly variations, providing flexibility without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly of pallet components is used, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all pallet components into a single molded unit, the invention eliminates multi-step manual assembly operations. The integrated structure can be produced in high volumes through automated molding processes, significantly increasing productivity while the design maintains adaptability through standardized interfaces and configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with a single molded manufacturing process. This substitution eliminates the need for workers to manually attach components using fasteners or adhesives, thereby increasing productivity while the molded design incorporates features that provide assembly adaptability when needed.
3Strength
If blocks are attached to pallets, then structural strength is improved, but attachment time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates block mounting features directly into the molded pallet structure, combining the pallet body and block attachment mechanisms into a single component. This integration maintains structural strength by ensuring proper positioning and support while eliminating the complexity of separate attachment operations and reducing the number of parts that must be assembled.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pallet components are used, then design flexibility is improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple discrete pallet components into a single integrated molded structure, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining design flexibility. The integrated design incorporates features such as recesses, protrusions, and mounting points that provide the same configurational flexibility as separate components would offer, but without the complexity of assembling multiple parts.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a pallet assembly. The pallet assembly includes a flap assembly (1) including a first flap (11) and a second flap (2). The flap assembly (1) has a first state in which the first flap and the second flap are coplanar so as to form a carrying surface (16) for carrying goods, and a second state in which any one of the first flap and the second flap is turned over so as to make the goods slide off. Further provided are a sorting robot including the pallet assembly, and a warehouse logistics system including the sorting robot.