Modular Lattice Container Pallet for Stable Close-Packed Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallets are unstable, inefficient in space utilization, require excessive plastic wrapping, and lack flexibility for custom configurations, leading to waste and increased costs in transportation and storage, while battery cell degradation and inaccessible batteries result in inefficient and costly replacements.
Innovation Solution
A lattice-based container pallet with tessellatable walled cells and retaining lips, allowing for stable, space-efficient storage and transport of containers, and a modular framework for customizable sizes, along with a rack system for easy stock rotation and battery cell management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional square pallets are used to support cuboidal boxes, then space utilization is improved, but wasted space occurs when containers have non-cuboidal shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet surface is segmented into multiple geometric cells (triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the pallet to adapt its effective footprint to match the actual shape and dimensions of the container being supported, eliminating wasted space while maintaining structural integrity through the lattice framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet employs movable side walls that can be adjusted to change the geometry and dimensions of individual cells. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the pallet to transform its configuration to perfectly accommodate containers of various shapes and sizes, optimizing space utilization without requiring multiple fixed-configuration pallets.
2Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked high on conventional pallets, then transport capacity is improved, but stability deteriorates and containers may fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure provides localized support at multiple points across the container base, with vertical lattice members extending through the pallet thickness to anchor containers securely. This distributed local support prevents containers from shifting or falling even when stacked at high levels, as each container is independently secured by the lattice framework rather than relying on friction alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet combines rigid lattice framework elements with friction-based container engagement surfaces. The lattice provides structural strength and positional stability, while the container engagement features (such as recesses or gripping surfaces) provide localized friction and mechanical interlocking. This composite approach enables both high stacking capacity and enhanced stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If plastic wrapping is used to secure stacked containers, then stability is improved, but waste increases due to single-use plastic material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilizing function from disposable plastic wrapping and integrates it directly into the reusable pallet structure. The lattice framework and container engagement features provide inherent stability and securing capabilities without requiring external plastic materials. This eliminates the need for single-use plastic while maintaining stack stability through the pallet's built-in mechanical support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet's lattice structure and container engagement features provide self-contained stabilization without requiring additional securing materials. The design inherently prevents container displacement through its geometric configuration and mechanical interlocking, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external plastic wrapping for stability.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional pallets are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for custom configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is constructed from modular lattice components and adjustable side wall segments that can be configured in various geometric patterns. This segmentation allows a single manufacturing process to produce pallets with different cell geometries and dimensions by simply reconfiguring the modular elements, providing both manufacturing efficiency and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclusion of adjustable side walls with multiple position settings enables the pallet to be reconfigured for different container types without requiring custom-manufactured pallets. The mechanical adjustment mechanism allows rapid reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity, bridging the gap between standardized manufacturing and customized application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A container pallet (10) is provided which includes a lattice of walled cells (12) for supporting a plurality of tessellatable containers in a close packed arrangement. Each walled cell (12) has a profile of a polygon that is tessellatable with itself or one or more other polygons and each walled cell (12) comprises a lower side wall (16). An upper side wall (14) may be provided in each walled cell and inset from the lower side wall, and/or a retaining lip may be provided around some or all of the periphery the container pallet. The container pallet may be modular.