Pallet With Asymmetrical Rod And Telescoping Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet technologies do not effectively restrain lateral movement of objects during transportation and storage, and lack efficient stacking mechanisms that accommodate varying heights and compact storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pallet assembly with rotationally asymmetrical positioning rods and telescoping stacking post assemblies that allow for secure lateral restraint and adjustable stacking configurations, enabling secure object placement and efficient stacking and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional positioning mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but lateral movement of objects cannot be effectively restrained
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning rod is designed with rotationally asymmetrical features including a non-circular cross-section (octagonal) and an offset between the main body longitudinal axis and pin longitudinal axis. This asymmetry prevents rotation of the rod within the socket and enables selective repositioning between multiple discrete orientations, providing effective lateral restraint through geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-height pallets are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to varying object heights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking post assembly incorporates telescoping posts with pivot connections that enable dynamic adjustment between extended and retracted positions. The posts can be selectively positioned to accommodate different stacking heights and configurations, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system that responds to varying load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking post assembly is divided into multiple independent components including first posts, second posts, pivot connections, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall adjustable stacking capability, enabling flexible height configuration without requiring complete structural redesign.
3Reliability
If pallets are designed for stable stacking, then stacking reliability is improved, but compact storage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping stacking posts provide dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing the pallet to maintain stable stacking configurations when loaded while collapsing to compact form when empty. The posts can be extended to provide adequate stacking height and stability during transportation, then retracted to minimize storage volume in the warehouse or facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping post design nests one post within another, with the second post capable of being received within the first post when retracted. This nesting arrangement enables the pallet to achieve a compact collapsed state for space-efficient storage while maintaining full stacking capability when the posts are extended to their full length.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet for carrying an object. The pallet may include a receiving surface to support the object. The pallet may include a socket and may be part of a pallet assembly including a rotationally asymmetrical positioning rod operable to be selectively repositioned within the socket with a main body extending above the receiving surface to restrain a lateral movement of the object. The pallet may include a support frame to support the plurality of objects thereon. The support frame may including a plurality of post supports. The pallet may include a plurality of stacking post assemblies each including a first post having a bottom end pivotally secured to the support frame and a second post operable to move between an extended position engaged with the post support and the first post and a retracted positon engaged with only one of the post support and the first post.