Pallet Conduit for Sequential Cable Winching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallets face difficulties in being moved and positioned closely spaced in a row using cable winches, as the first pallet blocks the path for subsequent pallets, making it impossible to access and winch multiple pallets simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a linear conduit within the pallet body that is open at both ends, allowing a cable to pass through and connect to subsequent pallets, enabling the movement of multiple pallets by drawing them sequentially, with a removable liner to prevent wear and distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pallets are used with cable winching, then the first pallet can be moved into position, but the cable path is blocked for subsequent pallets, preventing access to multiple pallets in a row
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is segmented by incorporating a conduit that passes through its body, dividing the pallet into regions that allow cable passage. This segmentation enables the cable to access subsequent pallets through the first pallet's conduit, resolving the blockage issue and allowing multiple pallets to be moved in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit acts as an intermediary element within the pallet structure. It provides a dedicated pathway that mediates between the cable winch system and subsequent pallets, allowing the cable to pass through the first pallet without being blocked by it, thus enabling access to multiple pallets.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple pallets are positioned closely spaced in a row, then space utilization is improved, but access to the cable winch for subsequent pallets is blocked by the first pallet
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the cable access problem from a two-dimensional surface issue to a three-dimensional solution by routing the cable through the vertical thickness of the pallet via the conduit. This dimensional transition allows closely spaced pallets to maintain cable accessibility without requiring lateral clearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conduit is built into the pallet body, then cable passage is enabled, but the pallet and conduit may be destroyed during use due to wear and tension loads
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is designed as a sacrificial component that can be discarded when worn and replaced. This allows the expensive pallet and conduit structure to be preserved and recovered for continued use, while the inexpensive liner absorbs the wear and tension damage, maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner provides beforehand cushioning and protection to the conduit interior surface against cable wear and tension loads. This preventive measure cushions the conduit from direct contact with the cable, preventing destruction before it occurs and extending the pallet's service life.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel pallet construction and pallet moving system includes a rigid pallet including a linear conduit passing through the pallet between opposing sides of the pallet and open at the ends of the conduit. The conduit includes a removable lining to prevent destruction of the pallet and conduit during use. In alternative configurations, two offset conduits may be provided to accommodate other hardware and use constraints.