Hinged Bottom Panel Wedge for Pallet Box Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallet boxes require manual and inefficient positioning of wedges for bulky objects, leading to reduced productivity, storage inefficiencies, and potential damage during transport due to instability.
Innovation Solution
A pallet box with a hinged bottom panel that forms a wedge for easy loading and stability, featuring a tray and hinged flap that can be deployed and retracted to facilitate loading and compact storage, and includes features like fold lines, wedging walls, and elastic links for secure object immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate bulky wedges are used for positioning objects, then loading capability is provided, but manual positioning is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wedge positioning function directly into the bottom panel of the pallet box by creating a hinged flap that forms an inclined plane. This integration eliminates the need for separate wedge components and their manual positioning, allowing the panel itself to provide the inclined loading surface when deployed and the positioning function when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom panel incorporates a hinged flap that can dynamically change its configuration between a flat retracted position and an inclined deployed position. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve dual purposes: providing a stable flat base during transport and creating an inclined loading ramp when needed, thereby improving both loading ease and productivity.
2Volume of moving object
If separate wedges are stored separately when pallet boxes are converted, then compact storage is achieved, but repatriation of wedges is required to prevent chain immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged into the bottom panel structure itself through the hinged flap mechanism. Since the flap is an integral part of the panel rather than a separate component, no repatriation is needed - the flap automatically returns to its retracted position within the panel structure when the box is converted, ensuring loading chain continuity while maintaining compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom panel serves multiple functions: it provides the base structure of the pallet box, acts as a storage container for the hinged flap when retracted, and forms an inclined loading ramp when deployed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wedge components and their management, improving both storage efficiency and operational continuity.
3Ease of operation
If simple wedges are added to the base, then loading is facilitated, but objects can move and degrade locking means during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged flap provides a dynamic solution where the panel can be deployed at an incline during loading to facilitate object placement, then retracted to a flat position during transport. When retracted, the flap lies flush with the base, creating a stable, level surface that prevents object movement and protects locking mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while maintaining loading ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is designed to be deployed in advance during the loading process to create the inclined ramp, then retracted before transport begins. This preliminary action of deploying the incline only when needed and retracting it before transport ensures objects are properly positioned during loading while preventing movement during transport, thus improving both loading ease and object stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A box pallet (1) comprising at least one base (4) and a hinged belt (5), the box pallet (1) being convertible between a loading configuration in which the belt (5) is unfolded and erected on the base (4) so as to form a storage volume and an empty transport configuration in which the belt (5) is folded and laid flat on the base (4); characterised in that it comprises at least one hinged bottom panel (10) that bears on the base (4) and is capable of forming a wedge for a bulky object, such as a motor vehicle seat, that needs to be loaded into the storage volume.