Offset Stanchion Timber Pallet Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pallet designs for transporting logs or sawn timber on railway wagons are not fully utilizing the load capacity due to the low specific weight of the materials, leading to increased transport costs and inefficient use of railway carriages.
Innovation Solution
The stanchions are designed in pairs with lower and upper sections connected via a crank, where the upper sections are offset relative to the lower sections, allowing for a higher loading cross-section that adheres to international standards, thereby increasing the loading volume by approximately 20%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional stanchion designs are used, then the pallet structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the loading volume and loading capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stanchions are divided into lower and upper sections that can be offset relative to each other. This segmentation allows the pallet to achieve greater loading volume while maintaining compliance with loading gauge standards, as the sections can be positioned to optimize space utilization without requiring a completely redesign of the entire stanchion structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an offset dimension to the stanchion design, where upper stanchion sections are positioned at different horizontal locations compared to lower sections. This dimensional change enables the pallet to utilize the three-dimensional loading space more effectively, increasing loading capacity while adhering to standard constraints.
2Quantity of substance
If the loading cross-section is increased to transport more low-specific-weight logs, then the loading capacity increases, but the pallet may no longer comply with international loading gauge standards
Solution Approach 1:
The stanchion sections are designed to be offset relative to each other, creating a dynamic configuration that allows the pallet to achieve greater loading capacity while maintaining compliance with loading gauge standards. The offset design enables the structure to adapt to the requirements of both increased loading volume and standard constraints.
3Volume of moving object
If the stanchions are made taller to increase loading volume, then the loading capacity increases, but the structural stability and strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the stanchion into lower and upper sections allows for a taller overall structure while maintaining structural integrity. The segmented design enables proper distribution of structural loads and provides opportunities for reinforcement at critical junctions, ensuring that the increased height does not compromise strength.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The pallet (1) has longitudinal and transverse beams (4, 5) made of steel profiles, that are connected to form a frame. The upright steel made pillars (3) are provided at the corner regions of the frame. Each pillar has an upper pillar portion (3c) and a lower pillar portion (3a) that are connected by a bend section (3b), such that upper pillar portion satisfies international standard UIC 596-6 dimension and lower pillar portion satisfies international loading gauge dimension.