Nylon Pallet Injection Molding RFID Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallets, particularly wooden and plastic ones, face issues such as durability, susceptibility to corrosion and fire, insect infestation, high costs, and lack of tracking and monitoring capabilities, which affect the quality and safety of goods during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A trackable nylon pallet with a rigid injection-molded design, incorporating upstanding posts, interchangeable communication/sensor boxes, and removable locking casters, providing a low profile and high weight capacity, along with data collection capabilities using RFID/GPS hybrid tags and sensors, and compatibility with standard material handling equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wooden pallets are used, then they are inexpensive and easy to manufacture, but they have limited useful life due to rotting and fastener failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to nylon, transforming the pallet from an organic, degradable material to a synthetic, durable material that resists rotting and environmental degradation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through injection molding processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nylon as a composite material that combines the durability and weather resistance needed for long useful life with injection molding capabilities that enable cost-effective manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and assembly steps
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic pallets are used to meet fire safety regulations, then fire resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to flame retardant requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter by selecting nylon, which inherently possesses fire-resistant properties with a high melting point and self-extinguishing characteristics, eliminating the need for additional flame retardant chemicals and complex multi-material constructions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single-material nylon construction that is both fire-resistant and cost-effective to manufacture through injection molding, avoiding the expense and complexity of multi-layer plastic compositions with flame retardants while maintaining safety compliance
3Strength
If metal pallets are used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to nylon, transforming the pallet from a heavy, corrosion-prone material to a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material that maintains sufficient strength for cargo handling while reducing weight for easier manipulation and transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nylon as a composite material that provides adequate strength and durability for pallet applications without the weight and corrosion issues of metal, achieving an optimal balance between mechanical properties and weight through material selection
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional pallets are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but tracking and monitoring capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the pallet by embedding RFID tags and sensors within the nylon structure during injection molding, enabling the pallet to simultaneously serve as a cargo platform and a tracking/monitoring device without requiring separate components or assembly steps
Data Source
AI summary
Nylon pallets constructed from injection molded top and bottom portions having mirror image upstanding post open ends and upstanding posts with extended attachment clips configured in corresponding arrays on opposing top and bottom surfaces, with each open end and attachment clip pairing when connected locked together by a locking pin. Each pallet provides real time tracking, identification, and monitoring capabilities from at least one removable communication/sensor box releasably secured between conjoined top and bottom portions. Each pallet provides equipment entry passages between top and bottom portions from all four pallet sides.