Pallet Cover With Floating Reinforcing Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for covering goods on pallets fail to adequately protect against moisture damage and interference, such as theft or damage during transportation, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cover comprising an upper panel and side panels made from flexible sheet material with a reinforcing mesh that extends partially or fully along the side panels, providing cut-resistant and slash-resistant protection. The mesh is connected to the sheet material at opposing edges, allowing for movement in a direction perpendicular to the sheet's surface, creating regions where the mesh 'floats' relative to the sheet material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple flexible sheet cover is used to protect goods on pallets, then the cover provides basic moisture and environmental protection, but it offers insufficient protection against unauthorized access, theft, or damage by cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a flexible sheet material with a reinforcing mesh to create a cover that provides both flexibility and cut resistance. The mesh is integrated into the sheet material to form a composite structure that maintains the flexibility needed for covering goods while adding the strength required to prevent unauthorized access and cutting.
2Strength
If the reinforcing mesh is rigidly attached to the sheet material, then the mesh provides maximum structural support and cut resistance, but it prevents the cover from adapting to the shape of the goods and may cause the mesh to catch on the sheet material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between the reinforcing mesh and the sheet material movable rather than rigid. The mesh is attached in a manner that allows it to move relative to the sheet material, enabling the cover to adapt to the shape of the goods while maintaining cut resistance. This dynamic connection prevents the mesh from catching on the sheet material during movement or deformation.
3Strength
If the reinforcing mesh is completely attached to the sheet material, then the mesh provides continuous reinforcement, but it increases the weight of the cover and may reduce flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the reinforcing mesh within the sheet material rather than uniformly distributing it throughout. The mesh is placed in specific regions where reinforcement is most needed, such as areas susceptible to cutting or unauthorized access, while leaving other areas with less reinforcement. This approach provides targeted strength while minimizing the overall weight and maintaining flexibility in non-critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for covering goods supported on a base platform such as a pallet. The cover has an upper panel and a plurality of side panels to define an enclosure surrounded by said plurality of side panels. Each side panel is formed from a sheet material and comprises a reinforcing mesh extending at least partially over the sheet material.