Elastic Load Unitizer Sleeve for Pallet Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for unitizing loads on pallets using stretch wrap or shrink wrap are time-consuming, generate significant waste, provide inadequate protection, and require additional fastening means that add weight and bulk, which can become tangled and have environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
A transportation base load unitizer comprising a sleeve or sheath with elastic sections and durable protection sections made of materials like polypropylene, which can be easily applied and removed without fastening means, providing automatic constriction and repeated use, reducing waste and enhancing protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stretch wrap or shrink wrap is used to unitize a load, then the load is held together and protected, but the wrapping process takes around twenty minutes per person and requires expensive machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sleeve made of elastic material that can be easily stretched and wrapped around the load. The sleeve's flexibility allows it to conform to the load shape while providing protection, eliminating the need for time-consuming stretch wrap or shrink wrap processes and expensive machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sleeve is designed to automatically secure the load through its inherent elasticity. When the sleeve is stretched over the load and released, it automatically constricts and holds the load together without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex wrapping procedures, significantly reducing the time needed for unitization.
2Reliability
If stretch wrap or shrink wrap is used to unitize a load, then the load is held together, but the film cannot be used again and must be stored before disposal, taking up considerable space
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sleeve is designed to be reusable and recoverable. After securing the load, the sleeve can be easily removed and stored for future use, eliminating the need for continuous disposal of plastic film. The sleeve's durability and elasticity allow it to be repeatedly applied to different loads, significantly reducing waste and storage requirements.
3Reliability
If stretch wrap or shrink wrap is used to unitize a load, then the load is held together, but the film provides only a little protection and can easily become torn on sharp edges during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is constructed from a composite material that combines elasticity with enhanced strength. This composite structure allows the sleeve to withstand the mechanical stresses of transportation while providing robust protection against tearing on sharp edges, overcoming the limitations of conventional plastic film.
4Reliability
If fastening means such as belts, hooks, or ropes are used to secure the wrapping, then the wrapping is held in place, but it adds weight, bulk and cost and can become tangled when being stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate fastening means such as belts, hooks, or ropes. The elastic sleeve's inherent elasticity provides the securing function, allowing the sleeve to be removed from the load without requiring additional fastening components, thereby reducing weight, bulk, and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wrapping function and securing function into a single integrated elastic sleeve. The sleeve simultaneously provides protection, secures the load, and eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms, simplifying the overall system and reducing the potential for tangling during storage.
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 unitizer significantly reduces wrapping time, minimizes waste, offers superior protection to the load, and allows for machine-automated application, while being compact and reusable, thus addressing the inefficiencies and environmental concerns of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The unitizer comprises at least one elastic section and at least one protection section for providing greater protection to a load on a transportation base than the at least one elastic section
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A transportation base load unitizer (8) for unitizing a load (14) on a transportation base (16), such as a pallet. The unitizer (8) comprises at least one elastic section (12) and at least one protection section (10) for providing greater protection to a load (14) on a transportation base than the at least one elastic section (12). The unitizer (8) is configured such that, in use, the unitizer (8) holds together as a unit and protects a load (14) on a transportation base (16).