Nestable Pallet Elongated Feet Conveyor Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallets lack stability on conveyors and do not offer a flexible system for nesting and compatibility with different sizes, which complicates storage and shipping.
Innovation Solution
A nestable pallet design featuring elongated hollow feet for stability on conveyors and a modular system allowing full, half, and nested configurations, along with ergonomic handle features and attachment options for displays or covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pallet feet are used, then the pallet structure is simple, but the pallet lacks stability on conveyors with rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the feet by making them elongated in the direction of travel, ensuring they always contact multiple rollers on the conveyor. This parameter modification directly improves stability without adding structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The feet are extended in the longitudinal dimension (direction of travel) rather than increasing width or height, creating a new dimensional approach to stability that maintains simplicity while improving conveyor performance
2Productivity
If nestable pallet design is implemented, then storage and shipping efficiency is improved, but compatibility with different pallet sizes becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is designed with universal openings that can accommodate feet of identical pallets as well as half-size pallets. This multi-functional design allows the same deck structure to work with different pallet sizes, enabling both nesting efficiency and size compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into full-size pallets and half-size pallets that can be mixed and matched. The deck openings are positioned to receive feet from either configuration, allowing flexible nesting arrangements while maintaining structural integrity
3Reliability
If feet are made elongated for conveyor stability, then contact with multiple rollers is ensured, but the overall footprint of the pallet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feet are elongated only in the longitudinal direction (direction of travel), keeping the lateral width and front-to-back depth unchanged. This selective parameter change ensures multiple roller contact while maintaining the original pallet footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A nestable pallet includes a deck having opposed side edges and opposed end edges. A plurality of feet extend downward from the deck. The feet are hollow and elongated in a direction parallel to the side edges of the deck. The deck includes openings therethrough that lead into the feet for receiving the feet of an identical nestable pallet nested thereon. A half pallet includes a half deck and a plurality of feet extending downward from the half deck. The feet of the half pallet extend into half of the plurality of feet of the nestable pallet. Optionally, the deck further includes a handle opening having at least one handle wall adjacent the handle opening. A plurality of ribs extend upward from the handle wall.