Horizontal Pallet Replacement for Fragile Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet replacement devices are unsuitable for handling fragile or delicate goods, require tilting or overturning, are expensive, complex, bulky, and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A device with first and second store elements, an entrance element, and a translating element that moves parallelly to transfer pallets without tilting or overturning, using low-friction slide planes and actuators for safe, compact, and efficient pallet replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device grips the load to move the pallet vertically, then the pallet can be replaced, but the load is subjected to lateral pressure making it unsuitable for fragile goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translating element with seatings as an intermediary mechanism between the store elements and the pallets. This mediator transfers pallets through horizontal translation without direct gripping of the load, eliminating lateral pressure while enabling pallet replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the vertical gripping and lifting mechanism with a horizontal translation mechanism. Instead of vertically moving and gripping the load, the system uses low-friction slide planes and horizontal translation to swap pallets, substituting a harmful mechanical interaction with a non-contact or minimal-contact system.
2Ease of operation
If the device rotates the pallet by 180° to replace it, then the pallet can be easily removed and replaced, but products containing liquids or delicate equipment cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the rotational overturning mechanism with a horizontal translation mechanism. The translating element moves pallets horizontally between store elements without rotating or tilting them, replacing a mechanical system that causes harmful overturning with one that maintains product orientation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional pallet replacement devices are used, then pallet replacement can be achieved, but the devices are expensive, complex to maintain, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pallet replacement system into modular components: store elements for holding pallets, a translating element with seatings for transfer, and low-friction slide planes for movement. This segmentation creates a simpler, more maintainable structure compared to integrated complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating element with its seatings and the low-friction slide planes enable the system to perform pallet replacement through simple horizontal translation without requiring complex actuators, motors, or control systems. The design allows the mechanism to serve itself through basic mechanical principles, reducing complexity and maintenance needs.
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
Enables safe handling of fragile goods, reduces complexity and cost, and ensures compactness while maintaining operational efficiency and safety for both goods and bystanders.
Implementation Method 1
low-friction slide planes
Data Source
AI summary
A device for replacing a pallet carrying a load includes first and second store elements (3, 7); an entrance element (11) between the first and second store elements; and a translating element (17) provided with a first seating (19) in the first store element and a second seating (21) in the entrance element for respectively receiving a replacement pallet and an original pallet wherein such translating element (17) is moved parallelly to itself between a first extreme condition (I) in which the first seating (19) and the second seating (21) are respectively placed in correspondence with the base (5) of the first store element (3) and with the base (6) of the entrance element (11) and a second extreme condition (F) in which the first (19) and second (21) seatings are respectively placed over the bases (6, 9) of the entrance element (11) and the second store element (7).