Mechanical Locking Pallet With Automatic Capture Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pallets for transporting objects like cylinders require excessive handling, expose operators to hazardous contents, and involve costly equipment and human error in wrapping or banding, which is inefficient and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking pallet with a capture assembly and linkage system that automatically engages and disengages capture bars to securely hold objects, reducing the need for wrapping or banding, minimizing human error, and enhancing safety by automating the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wrapping and banding methods are used to secure objects on pallets, then objects can be prevented from moving, but operators are exposed to hazardous contents and handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture bars are configured to automatically engage with the object when the pallet is placed on the support surface, and automatically disengage when the pallet is removed. The system serves itself by using the pallet's own weight and movement to trigger the locking and unlocking mechanisms, eliminating the need for operators to manually secure or unsecure the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of wrapping and banding with an automated mechanical capture system. The capture bars use mechanical linkages and biasing members to automatically lock and unlock, substituting the need for operator intervention and traditional securing methods.
2Reliability
If manual wrapping and banding operations are performed, then objects can be secured, but handling time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capture bars are pre-configured in a positioned state that allows them to automatically engage with the object. The biasing members are pre-loaded to provide the necessary force for engagement, so that when the pallet is simply placed on the support surface, the securing action occurs automatically without requiring operators to perform manual wrapping or banding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the securing function through the interaction between the capture bars, linkages, and biasing members. The pallet itself triggers the securing mechanism through its placement on the support surface, eliminating the need for separate manual securing operations and reducing handling time.
3Reliability
If capture bars are automatically engaged through linkage assembly, then object securing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture system is divided into modular components: individual capture bars, separate linkage assemblies for each bar, and independent biasing members. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function and makes the overall system more manageable and easier to manufacture, despite the increased automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assemblies are configured with asymmetric geometries that allow automatic engagement in one direction (when the pallet is placed on the support surface) while allowing easy disengagement in the opposite direction (when the pallet is removed). This asymmetric design enables automatic locking without requiring complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a pallet includes a plate configured to support a pallet object relative to a support surface and a capture assembly supported relative to the plate. The capture assembly is configured to selectively engage and disengage the pallet object and includes one or more capture bars movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. Each capture bar of the one or more capture bars is configured to be engaged with a portion of the pallet object when in the locked position and disengaged from said portion of the pallet object when in the unlocked position. Additionally, each capture bar of the one or more capture bars is configured to be actuated to the unlocked position with movement of the pallet towards the support surface and actuated to the locked position with movement of the pallet away from the support surface.