Underride Shuttle Interface Unit With Central Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for pallet receptacles on underride shuttles are inadequate in ensuring secure support and preventing slipping or tilting, making it difficult to handle and position pallets, especially in case of defects or malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An interface unit with parallel support portions forming a sole support area and a central recess, featuring perforations for easy pallet handling and an integrated position determining unit using sensors or light barriers to ensure correct positioning and prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If flat adapter plates are attached to the upper side of the underride shuttle for pallet support, then the pallet can be supported over a large surface area, but it becomes difficult to check correct positioning and handle pallets in case of defects
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit is segmented into two separate support portions extending parallel to each other in the length direction, with a central depression between them. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones: the support portions provide stable support while the central depression enables easy positioning checks and handling operations, resolving the contradiction between large support area and operational ease.
2Reliability
If the interface unit provides secure support to prevent slipping, then pallet stability is improved, but the complexity of the interface unit structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit applies local quality by creating a central depression between the two support portions, which locally modifies the structure to enable positioning checks and handling while the support portions maintain stable support. This localized modification achieves both stability and operational ease without requiring complex overall structure.
3Reliability
If support portions are made fixed for stable pallet support, then reliability is improved, but the ability to adapt to different pallet types and handle defects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support structure into two separate support portions with a central depression, the design maintains fixed support portions for reliability while the central depression provides adaptability for positioning checks and handling operations with different pallet types, including Euro pallets with central blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an interface unit (10) for receiving a pallet on an underride shuttle (100), comprising an attachment unit (12) for attaching the interface unit (10) to an upper side (100a) of the underride shuttle (100) and two support portions (14, 16) which extend upwardly in parallel in accordance with a longitudinal direction (L) relative to one another and which, by means of their respective upper sides, form an exclusive support area for a pallet (200) to be supported; wherein, with respect to a width direction (B), a central recess (18) is provided between the support portions (14, 16), likewise extending in the length direction (L). Further, the invention relates to a system formed by such an interface unit (10) and a pallet, and to an underride shuttle (100) having such an interface unit (10) mounted on its upper side