Modular Pallet Shelf System for Flexible Cargo Hold Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pallet shelf systems lack flexibility and ease of assembly, particularly in temporary storage situations such as cargo holds of trucks or lorries, due to their rigid construction.

Innovation Solution

A pallet shelf system comprising four base units assembled using upright posts and pallets, allowing for adjustable shelf distances and easy assembly/disassembly, with base units featuring mounting holes for upright posts and protrusions that fit into pallet openings, enabling adaptation to various pallet standards without removing goods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid construction is used for pallet shelf systems, then structural strength is improved, but ease of assembly and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pallet shelf system is divided into separate modular components: base units with upright posts, and pallet shelves that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The base units include mounting holes and protrusions that enable easy connection without requiring complex fastening operations, thus maintaining structural strength while improving ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The upright posts can be positioned at different heights using adjustable mounting holes, and the entire system can be easily assembled and disassembled as needed, providing flexibility for temporary storage applications while maintaining sufficient structural strength through proper component design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable shelf heights are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable shelf heightsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upright posts feature multiple mounting holes at different heights, allowing the shelf position to be adjusted by simply moving the connection point between the upright post and the shelf. This segmented approach to height adjustment avoids complex mechanisms while providing versatile adaptability for different storage needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3057875B1Pallet shelf system and method of storing goods on a pallet shelf system
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 SPACEINVADER APS
  • EP3057875B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1C
  • EP3057875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3057875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pallet shelf system (200, 400, 500) with at least two shelves formed by at least two standard size pallets (100) joined by two pair of base units (210), each base unit (210) spaced by two upright posts (220). The pallet shelf system (200, 400, 500) are for storing goods on standardized pallets (100) in particular in the cargo hold of a truck or a lorry, which system being easy to assemble and disassemble as cargo is loaded and unloaded in the cargo hold. A method of storing goods on a pallet shelf system (200,400,500) is also disclosed.