Pallet-Coupled Central Support for Stable Flat-Article Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supports for transporting flat articles on pallets are complex, expensive, and require additional components for assembly, increasing time and operator qualification, while posing a risk of breakage, tipping, and slipping.
Innovation Solution
A central support with an upper and lower portion, equipped with an axis, that allows quick coupling over a pallet gap, ensuring stability and incorporating holes for tying elements, and grooves for structural reinforcement, reducing the need for additional fasteners and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional auxiliary supports are used for transporting flat articles, then stability during transport is improved, but the number of components increases making the product expensive and assembly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components including vertical supports, horizontal supports, and connecting elements that can be assembled together. Each segment serves a specific function (vertical supports for stability, horizontal supports for article placement) and can be manufactured independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The vertical and horizontal supports can be configured for different article sizes and weights, and the same basic structure can be used for both transport and storage applications, reducing the need for specialized components
2Reliability
If traditional auxiliary supports with multiple fastening components are used, then stability is improved, but assembly time increases and operator qualification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into integrated connecting elements. The horizontal supports incorporate built-in fastening mechanisms that combine securing, positioning, and locking functions into single components, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features. The vertical and horizontal supports are designed with complementary geometries that guide proper assembly alignment, and the connecting elements automatically engage and lock into position, reducing the need for operator intervention and qualification
3Reliability
If traditional supports with multiple fastening components are used, then stability is improved, but costs increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Complex fastening mechanisms from traditional designs are extracted and replaced with simpler integrated connecting elements. The invention removes unnecessary intermediate components and fasteners, using only the essential vertical and horizontal supports with built-in connection features, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity
4Ease of operation
If simple support structures are used, then assembly is quick and simple, but stability during transport is reduced increasing risk of breakage, tipping, and slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses asymmetric vertical and horizontal supports optimized for specific loading configurations. The vertical supports have varying heights and thicknesses at different positions, and the horizontal supports are positioned at strategic locations, providing maximum stability with minimal material and assembly complexity
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a central support for flat articles that imparts greater stability during the handling and/or transport of said articles. The structural arrangement of said support enables rapid fitting onto a pallet, together with the ideal positioning of the articles, in order to facilitate transport, handling and storage during the logistics process, since it directs the mass of the load towards the center of the pallet or platform, preventing the articles from tipping and falling over or sliding, thus promoting greater stability.