Pallet Jack Wheel Configuration for Rough Terrain Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet jacks are ineffective and unsafe for use on non-smooth exterior surfaces due to instability and limited capacity for differently shaped pallets with high length-to-width ratios, and they can scuff interior floors.
Innovation Solution
A pallet jack design with independently rotating rear wheels aligned along the centerlines of the tines, wider and taller wheels for enhanced stability, and semi-circular handles for navigating rough terrain, along with a retractable strap and locking wheels to prevent accidental movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pallet jacks with centrally located rear wheels are used on smooth interior floors, then lifting capability is maintained, but stability deteriorates on rough exterior surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet jack is divided into functionally distinct wheel assemblies: front wheels with aspect ratios of 3.3-14 for rough terrain navigation, and rear wheels with aspect ratios of 4.6-18 for stable transport on various surfaces. This segmentation allows each wheel assembly to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between stability and surface adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different wheel configurations are applied to different locations on the pallet jack. The front wheels are positioned and sized for navigating rough exterior surfaces, while the rear wheels are configured for stable transport. This local optimization of wheel properties at different positions enables the device to maintain both stability and versatility across different operating environments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pallet jacks are designed for smooth interior floors, then floor protection is achieved, but they scuff polished floors
Solution Approach 1:
The front wheels are designed with aspect ratios between 3.3-14 and made from materials such as rubber or semi-hard plastic, which provides a softer contact surface that protects polished interior floors from scuffing while maintaining the ability to navigate rough exterior surfaces. This parameter change in wheel material and dimensions resolves the contradiction between floor protection and floor scuffing.
3Device complexity
If traditional pallet jacks are used, then lifting mechanism is simple, but they cannot handle pallets with high length-to-width ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet jack is designed with rear wheels positioned at outermost portions and aligned with tine centerlines, creating a universal configuration that can stably transport various pallet types including those with high length-to-width ratios (2:1, 3:1, or more). This universal design maintains mechanical simplicity while achieving versatility in handling different pallet configurations.
4Volume of moving object
If small rear wheels are used, then device size is reduced, but stability on rough terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wheels are designed to independently rotate in both vertical and horizontal planes, providing dynamic adaptability to rough terrain while maintaining compact device dimensions. This dynamic rotation capability allows the wheels to self-adjust to surface irregularities, resolving the contradiction between small device size and terrain stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for delivery of packaged goods on a pallet with a pallet jack is described. The pallet jack enables substantially easy navigation over rough terrain through the configuration and placement of the left and right rear wheels and the configuration and placement of the left and right front wheels, as well as the design and implementation of handle bars. Other useful features include a basket for holding personal items, and jacks for retaining hand held devices that can be used to track and update deliveries and orders for goods. Accordingly, the pallet jack is preferably used to deliver consumer soft drink beverages but can be used to deliver any type of packaged product, goods and/or raw materials.