Pallet Assembly With Dolly Nesting Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallet designs do not efficiently integrate with fixtures and dollies for seamless transportation and storage of goods, leading to inefficiencies in loading and unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A pallet design featuring an upper surface with columns extending downward, channels across the surface, and cavities aligned with the channels, which accommodate plugs on a fixture, allowing dollies with casters to roll through and be recessed into the pallet for secure transport and easy loading/unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pallet designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but integration efficiency with fixtures and dollies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion with distinct functions. The upper portion contains channels and cavities for dolly integration, while the lower portion provides structural support and forklift access. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly wheels are designed to nest within the cavities of the pallet when not in use, and the channels provide pathways for the dollies to roll through. This nesting arrangement allows the dollies to be stored compactly within the pallet structure while maintaining easy accessibility for loading and unloading operations.
2Ease of operation
If dollies with casters are integrated into the pallet, then ease of transportation is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet features localized channels and cavities at specific positions to accommodate dolly wheels, rather than requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure. These localized features provide smooth movement paths for dollies while maintaining the overall simplicity of the pallet design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet incorporates vertical cavities that extend through the thickness of the pallet, allowing dolly wheels to move horizontally through channels and then vertically into recessed positions. This multi-dimensional approach enables smooth dolly movement while efficiently using the three-dimensional space of the pallet structure.
3Loss of substance
If material usage is reduced, then resource efficiency is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet incorporates cavities and channels that create a porous-like structure, removing material from non-critical areas while maintaining structural integrity through strategically placed columns and support elements. This allows significant material reduction while preserving the necessary strength for load-bearing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet design combines different material properties by using solid columns for vertical support and hollow channels for dolly integration. This composite approach optimizes material usage by placing material only where structurally necessary, achieving both resource efficiency and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet includes an upper portion which includes an upper surface. A plurality of columns extend downwardly from the upper portion. A plurality of channels extend across the upper surface of the upper portion. A plurality of cavities form openings through the upper portion and a corresponding one of the plurality of columns. The plurality of cavities are aligned with at least one of the plurality of channels.