Modular Pallet Active Module Hardware Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular pallet architectures lack integrated functionality and interoperability, which limits their efficiency and flexibility in complex logistics systems, and they contribute to environmental waste and high carbon emissions due to inefficient packaging.
Innovation Solution
A modular pallet system where a primary active module with advanced hardware manages primary functionalities such as refrigeration, humidity control, and wireless connectivity, while secondary passive modules provide physical interconnection and supplementary functionality, optimizing modularity and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular pallet architectures use multiple independent modules without integrated hardware, then manufacturing cost is reduced and modularity is maintained, but functionality and interoperability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized hardware interface that can be integrated into different pallet modules to provide common functionalities such as sensing, communication, and actuation. This allows individual modules to gain advanced capabilities without requiring unique custom hardware for each module, thereby improving overall system functionality while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functionality into modular components where a primary active pallet module contains the integrated hardware system, and secondary passive modules can be attached to extend functionality or capacity. This segmentation allows the complex hardware to be concentrated in one module while maintaining the benefits of modular assembly and disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all pallet modules are made active with full hardware, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the primary pallet module active with full hardware integration, while secondary modules remain passive. This selective approach provides the necessary functionality at the location where it is most needed (the primary module that coordinates the assembly) while avoiding the unnecessary cost and complexity of equipping every module with identical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hardware functionality into a single integrated system within the primary active module, rather than distributing hardware across all modules. This consolidation reduces total manufacturing cost while providing coordinated control over the entire pallet assembly through the primary module's hardware system.
3Device complexity
If traditional packaging solutions are used, then simplicity is maintained, but environmental waste and carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a pallet system that can dynamically adapt its configuration through the active module's control systems. Sensors and actuators enable the pallet to adjust to different load conditions, optimize stacking arrangements, and improve space utilization during transport, thereby reducing the number of trips needed and lowering carbon emissions without requiring a completely complex new packaging paradigm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through integrated sensors in the active module that monitor load weight, distribution, and environmental conditions. This feedback enables real-time optimization of the pallet's configuration and transport planning, leading to more efficient logistics operations and reduced carbon footprint while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular pallet assembly formed of a plurality of physically interconnected pallet modules that are each configured to nest one within another. At least one of the pallet modules is designed as an active, primary pallet module including primary hardware configured to actively handle and manage at least one primary functionality of the entire pallet assembly. The remaining pallet modules, beyond the primary pallet module, delegate the primary functionality to the primary pallet module. The remaining pallet modules may be passive, secondary pallet modules configured to supplement or enable part of the primary functionality that is actively handled and managed by the primary hardware.