Material Handling Pallet with Inclined Surfaces for Automated Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallets are not adequately designed to work seamlessly with automated storage and retrieval systems, limiting their efficiency in handling and movement within these systems.
Innovation Solution
A pallet design featuring a specific configuration with inclined surfaces, peripheral supports, and electronic tags for improved compatibility with automated guided vehicles and order picker carts, allowing for efficient ingress and egress of forks and facilitating easier movement and inventory control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pallet design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with automated storage and retrieval systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into modular components including peripheral supports, internal supports, and panel sections that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the pallet to adapt to different automated system requirements while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet design incorporates multiple features that serve different functions: openings for forklift access, inclined surfaces for automated vehicle engagement, electronic tag mounting for tracking, and support structures for load bearing. This multi-functionality enables a single pallet design to work across various automated storage and retrieval systems.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pallet openings are used, then fork access is limited, but structural integrity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Inclined surfaces are incorporated at the openings to provide a curved transition path for forklift forks. These inclined surfaces smooth the entry and exit of forks into and from the pallet openings, reducing impact forces and improving operational ease while the supporting structure maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet structure uses localized reinforcement around the openings and inclined surfaces where stress concentrations occur. This allows the openings to be large enough for easy fork access while maintaining overall structural strength through targeted support elements rather than uniformly thick construction.
3Productivity
If manual inventory tracking is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but inventory control efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet incorporates an electronic tag (such as RFID) that automatically tracks and communicates inventory information without requiring manual scanning or data entry. The tag passively or actively provides identification and location data to automated systems, enabling continuous inventory monitoring while keeping the pallet design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inventory tracking methods are replaced with electronic identification and communication systems. The electronic tag on the pallet enables automated detection and tracking, substituting mechanical/manual processes with electronic fields and wireless communication to improve inventory control efficiency.
4Productivity
If smooth inclined surfaces are added for fork access, then handling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surfaces are designed with specific geometric parameters (angles, lengths, and positions) that optimize forklift fork access while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves smooth fork transitions without requiring complex custom tooling or multi-step manufacturing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet comprises an upper load supporting surface having a peripheral edge, and a lower surface having a peripheral edge. The lower surface has substantially the same dimensions as the upper load supporting surface. A plurality of peripheral supports are provided at or near the peripheral edge of the lower surface and extend upwardly therefrom to the upper load supporting surface so that the upper load supporting surface and the lower surface are spaced from each other and define sides of the pallet. Each side of the pallet has a first opening and a second opening which are defined by the upper load supporting surface, the lower surface, and a pair of peripheral supports. Inclined surfaces are provided on the lower surface.