Interlocking Cargo Carrier Contours for Mixed Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable pallets and crates often accumulate in excess during transportation due to imbalanced logistics, leading to inefficiencies in load securing and storage, as existing stacking solutions do not effectively accommodate mixed stacks or optimize volume usage.
Innovation Solution
Designing load carriers with complementary stacking contours on both pallets and crates, including a circumferential web on pallets and recessed areas on crates, allowing for interlocking and non-slip stacking, and incorporating strapping grooves with support webs to prevent damage during securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stacking contours are used on pallets and crates, then single-type stacking is possible, but mixed stacking of pallets and crates is not effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing standardized stacking contours (first, second, third, and fourth contours) that enable both pallets and crates to stack with each other as well as with themselves. The complementary contour designs allow a pallet to stack on a crate and vice versa, creating a universal stacking system that increases adaptability and enables efficient mixed stacking in return transport operations.
2Reliability
If strapping grooves are added to pallets for load securing, then cargo attachment is improved, but the load table structure becomes more complex and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the load table into a rib structure with multiple strapping grooves distributed across the surface. This segmentation allows the load table to maintain structural integrity while providing multiple attachment points for cargo securing, reducing the risk of damage concentration at single points and distributing mechanical stresses effectively.
3Reliability
If strapping grooves are cut into the load table, then cargo attachment is enabled, but the outer ribs become vulnerable to damage during tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning support webs between adjacent ribs in the region of strapping grooves before the strapping operation. These support webs act as protective elements that cushion and distribute the tightening forces, preventing direct concentration of stress on the outer ribs and avoiding damage during the cargo securing process.
4Productivity
If excess pallets and crates accumulate at destinations, then return transport is necessary, but load securing and storage become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring both pallets and crates with standardized stacking contours and strapping groove patterns before they are deployed. This preliminary preparation enables rapid load securing and stacking operations during return transport, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments and significantly reducing the time required for securing excess pallets and crates for return journeys.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement of a first cargo carrier in the form of a pallet comprising a cargo table and runners, having first contours on the upper side of the cargo table, at least some sections of said contours being designed to be complementary in shape and arrangement with second contours in a contact surface of the runners, and a second cargo carrier in the form of an optionally foldable crate comprising end walls, side walls and a base, having third contours which are formed by free edges of the end walls and side walls and at least some sections of which are complementary in shape and arrangement with fourth contours which are formed from the crate base, wherein at least some sections of the first contours of the pallet are designed to be complementary in shape and arrangement to fourth contours of the crate, and at least some sections of the second contours of the pallet are designed to be complementary in shape and arrangement to the third contours of the crate, such that when setting the crate base on the cargo carrier surface of the pallet as well as when setting pallets on crates, the contours engage with each other in order to secure the load.