Modular Pallet Structure Reducing Storage Space via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallets occupy excessive space when not in use, are not highly standardized, and pose environmental concerns due to material limitations, while requiring heat treatments for wooden pallets and being harmful upon disposal for plastic pallets.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure comprising support feet with reversible connections, support bars, and profiles made from different materials, allowing for various configurations with a minimal number of components, enabling efficient space use, standardization, and environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional pallets are used, then goods can be supported and transported, but they occupy excessive space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into modular components: a base structure with support feet and an optional upper platform that can be detached. This segmentation allows the platform to be removed when not needed, significantly reducing the occupied volume while maintaining full functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The removable platform and adjustable components allow the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, collapsing to a compact base form for storage and expanding to a full pallet structure for use.
2Strength
If wooden pallets are used, then they are strong and recyclable, but they require heat treatments to prevent foreign bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet combines wood elements (base structure, support feet) with metal components (fasteners, reinforcing elements). This composite construction maintains the strength benefits of wood while allowing for heat treatment or chemical treatment of the wooden portions to eliminate bacterial contamination risks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic pallets are used, then hygiene requirements are satisfied, but they have lower capacity and are harmful to the environment when disposed of
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials are applied to different parts of the pallet based on functional requirements. The base structure and support feet use wood for maximum strength and load capacity, while metal fasteners provide durability. This localized material selection optimizes both structural performance and hygiene characteristics where needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of conventional pallets are used, then various functionalities are covered, but standardization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular pallet design uses a standardized base structure with universal connection points and interfaces. By keeping the base consistent and allowing only the upper platform to vary or be removed, the system achieves multiple functionalities (different load capacities, configurations) while maintaining high standardization in the core components, reducing the number of unique pallet types needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a modular structure (10) for supporting and transporting at least one object (A). The structure (10) comprises a plurality of support feet (12), provided on top with connection means (16) for the reversible connection with the object (A), and at least one support bar (18), constrainable below one or more support feet (12) and configured for resting on the ground or on a generic surface, as well as for supporting the structure (10) and therefore the object (A). The structure (10) reduces the spaces occupied with respect to conventional pallets as well as ensuring, with an extremely low number of base components able to be variously and reversibly connected to one another, the same functionality as a wide range of conventional pallets that are different from one another.