Horizontal Keg Pallet With Interlock Panels for Stable Mixed-Size Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keg pallets and divider sheets fail to efficiently support kegs of various sizes on different pallets, leading to loose loading and manual handling during transportation from distribution centers to delivery locations.
Innovation Solution
The use of interlock panels with concave surfaces on a half pallet that can securely hold kegs of different sizes, allowing them to be transported and delivered together with the pallet, and facilitating easy maneuverability and stability during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If kegs are loaded loosely on pallets at distribution centers, then loading efficiency is improved, but stability and control during transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet system is segmented into a base pallet and separate interlock panels that can be attached to create a divided structure. This segmentation allows the pallet to accommodate kegs of various sizes while maintaining stability through the interlocking mechanism that prevents keg movement during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
Interlock panels serve as intermediary components between the pallet and the kegs. These panels feature concave surfaces that directly contact and secure kegs of different sizes, acting as a mediating structure that transfers and distributes the weight and movement forces, thereby preventing keg instability during loading and transportation.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling is used to move kegs, then flexibility is improved, but labor requirements and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock panels are designed to be attached to the pallet, merging the pallet and keg support functions into a single integrated unit. This combination allows kegs to be moved as one stable assembly using standard pallet handling equipment, eliminating the need for separate manual handling operations and reducing both labor requirements and handling time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard pallets are used for various keg sizes, then pallet compatibility is improved, but keg security and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock panels are designed with universal concave surfaces that can accommodate multiple keg sizes and types on a single pallet configuration. The panels can be attached to standard pallets, providing a universal solution that maintains pallet compatibility while significantly improving keg security and stability across different keg dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet assembly includes a pallet and an interlock panel. The pallet includes a deck and a plurality of feet extending downward from the deck. The interlock panel is receivable on the deck and has a plurality of concave surfaces formed thereon, each configured to receive a horizontally-oriented keg thereon.