Molded Wood Pallet Structure for Stable Heating Device Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet solutions for transporting heating devices with tanks are unstable, prone to damage due to high center of gravity and sensitive geometry, and require additional fixing means that are ergonomically poor and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A molded wood pallet design with integrated protuberances and ribs for secure wedging and alignment, featuring feet and sloping surfaces for stability and compatibility with forklifts, eliminating the need for separate wedges and reducing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard-design type pallets (nailed wooden planks) are used for transporting heating devices, then the pallet structure is simple and cost-effective, but the stability and security of the heating device during transport is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pallet and wedge into a single integrated molded wood structure. The wedge is no longer a separate component but is formed as an integral part of the pallet body, creating a unified packaging equipment that provides both support and securing functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded wood pallet is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the base support structure, incorporates wedge elements for securing the heating device, and provides alignment features. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate wedge components while enhancing stability.
2Reliability
If additional fixing means (wedges, fastening means) are used to secure the heating device on the pallet, then the stability during transport is improved, but the ergonomics for installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet and wedge are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate fixing operations. The wedge function is built into the pallet design, allowing the heating device to be secured through the integrated structure rather than requiring additional fastening steps.
3Reliability
If additional fixing means (wedges, fastening means) are used to secure the heating device on the pallet, then the stability during transport is improved, but the number of parts and material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet and wedge are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate wedge components. This reduces the total number of parts and associated material waste while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded wood pallet performs multiple functions including support, securing, and alignment, eliminating the need for separate wedge components and reducing material waste from additional parts.
4Strength
If plastic pallets are used instead of wooden pallets, then the robustness and ability to integrate complex shapes is improved, but the cost and ecological footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses molded wood, which combines the advantages of wood (eco-friendly, cost-effective) with the benefits of molded construction (complex shapes, robustness). This composite approach achieves the structural integrity of plastic pallets while maintaining the environmental and economic advantages of wood.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a packaging equipment (100), optionally for a heating device comprising a tank having a capacity of at least 150 litres to store hot liquid, in particular domestic hot water, the packaging equipment comprising a first surface (110) and a second surface (120) opposite to the first surface. The packaging equipment comprises a first foot and a second foot arranged on the side of the second surface, and a distance between the first foot and the second foot is at least 575mm. The first foot and the second foot extend along the second surface and have a height of at least 75mm. The packaging equipment comprises a plurality of first ribs arranged at the first surface and configured to form at least part of a counter shape to a shape of a heating device when the heating device is arranged on the first surface in direct or indirect contact with the first surface. The plurality of first ribs are further configured to have a retaining and/or aligning function for retaining and/or aligning the heating device when arranged on the first surface. The packaging equipment is made of molded wood.