Transport and storage assembly and method of assembling a transport and storage assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of a single international standard for pallets leads to inefficiencies in logistics, including wasted storage and transport space due to irregular loads and varying load ratings, and poses challenges in stabilizing and securing goods during stacking and movement.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical transport/storage assembly with foldable walls and a lid that can be securely engaged, allowing for horizontal, vertical, and offset stacking, and providing temperature control, using materials like corrugated cardboard and insulation to support loads and minimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pallets of various sizes and specifications are used to accommodate different load requirements, then adaptability to different goods is improved, but storage and transport space utilization deteriorates due to irregular loads and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a universal base unit with standardized dimensions that can serve multiple purposes: as a standalone base, as a nesting container for smaller items, and as a modular component in larger assemblies. This single design addresses multiple load requirements without needing various sized pallets, thereby improving space utilization while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables nesting of smaller base units within larger ones when not in use. The tapered sidewalls and complementary geometric shapes allow compact stacking and nesting of multiple bases, maximizing storage density and minimizing wasted space during transport and storage operations.
2Productivity
If pallets are stacked vertically to maximize storage capacity, then storage density is improved, but stability and safety deteriorate due to risk of collapse and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs curved, tapered sidewalls rather than straight vertical edges. This curvature allows the bases to nest together smoothly and interlock when stacked, creating a more stable configuration that distributes weight evenly and reduces the risk of collapse compared to traditional flat-edged pallets.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is constructed from composite materials including corrugated cardboard reinforced with plastic or metal elements. This composite structure provides both the necessary strength for vertical stacking and the flexibility to absorb impact, enabling safe high-density storage while maintaining stability.
3Volume of moving object
If foldable wall structures are used to reduce storage space, then space efficiency is improved, but structural strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewalls are divided into multiple segments or panels that can fold relative to each other. Each segment is reinforced with stiffening ribs and connection elements that maintain structural integrity during the folding motion, allowing the base to collapse to a compact form while retaining sufficient strength for handling loaded states.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes flexible yet strong materials such as reinforced cardboard and thin plastic sheets with integrated support structures. These materials provide the necessary flexibility for folding and collapsing while maintaining adequate strength to support loads, achieving both space efficiency and structural reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~3c
Figure 4~5e
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, but not necessarily restricted thereto, a system for the transportation and storage of goods such as palletised 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 sires 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.