Height-Adjustable Pallet Frame With Hinged Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet frames lack a simple and efficient mechanism for adjusting the height of their supports, which limits their versatility in transporting goods of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
The frame features four supports, each comprising a pivotally connected upper and lower element, allowing for easy height adjustment between full and partial heights without requiring auxiliary tools or elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-height supports are used in pallet frames, then the structure is simple and stable, but the frame cannot adapt to goods of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into two separate elements: a stationary lower element attached to the frame and a movable upper element that can pivot relative to the lower element. This segmentation allows the support height to be adjusted by changing the relative position of the two elements, enabling adaptation to different goods sizes while keeping each element relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The upper element is connected to the lower element via a pivot connection, allowing it to rotate and change the support height. This dynamic mechanism enables the frame to adapt to different cargo requirements without requiring a completely complex restructuring
2Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic supports with pins are used for height adjustment, then the height is adjustable, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and requires auxiliary elements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a telescopic mechanism with multiple pins and holes, the invention employs a simple pivot connection between the upper and lower elements. The upper element can rotate around the pivot point to achieve height adjustment, eliminating the need for complex pin insertion and removal operations. This dynamic pivoting mechanism is simpler and faster than telescopic adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the complex pin-and-hole adjustment mechanism from the support structure. By extracting this unnecessary complexity and replacing it with a simple pivot connection, the height adjustment becomes inherently simpler while maintaining the ability to adjust to different heights
3Adaptability or versatility
If supports are made height-adjustable with multiple components, then versatility improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is segmented into two elements that can be manufactured separately using simple, standard manufacturing processes. Each element has a straightforward geometry that is easy to produce, and they are connected by a simple pivot joint. This segmentation allows for easy manufacturing while still providing height adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting mechanism requires only a simple pivot connection rather than complex telescopic components or multiple fastening elements. This reduces manufacturing complexity significantly, as the pivot connection can be implemented with basic machining operations, making the overall structure easier to manufacture despite the added versatility
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
This design enables the transport of goods of different sizes using interchangeable inserts, reduces the volume of empty frames for transport, and facilitates efficient stacking and placement on pallets.
Implementation Method 1
The four supports are at least in two parts, each having an upper element and a lower element pivotally connected to each other by means of a hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A height-adjustable frame for a pallet and for accommodating an insert for goods has supports including upper and lower elements connected to one another via a hinge. The lower element and the upper elements can be pivoted towards and away from one another. In a first position, the upper and lower elements are moved towards one another and the support forms a maximum height. In a second position, the lower element is pivoted away from the upper element, and the support forms a sub-height. A height adjustment allows goods of different sizes to be transported via an insert, which is fastened on the frame. The height adjustment allows goods to be transported using inserts of different depths and allows empty transportation with a smaller volume. The frame is stackable and can be transported using pallet containers or twin-wall sheets.