Plastic Pallet Locking Bolts With Predetermined Breaking Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic transport pallets are prone to deformation and destruction when subjected to improper use with forklifts, leading to costly repairs and potential damage to support elements.
Innovation Solution
The cover plate is connected to the base part using separate locking bolts with a predetermined breaking point, designed as tensioning elements, which tear off before damaging other components, allowing for easy reuse by replacing the locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If locking elements are made strong and durable to maintain pallet stability, then pallet stability is improved, but damage to support elements occurs under excessive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct components: a reusable locking element (U-form or V-form) and a replaceable support element with an integrated locking lug. This segmentation allows the locking element to be preserved while only the cheaper support element needs replacement after damage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strong locking and preventing support element damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element with locking lug is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced. When the locking lug becomes damaged or deformed due to excessive loads, the entire support element is replaced rather than attempting to repair it. This approach maintains pallet stability through durable locking elements while accepting that support elements may need periodic replacement.
2Strength
If locking elements are made flexible with tolerances to avoid damage from lateral collision forces, then damage resistance is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs local quality by designing the locking element with specific geometric features (U-form or V-form) that provide controlled flexibility. The locking element can deform locally to absorb lateral collision forces while maintaining its overall structural integrity and locking function, thus achieving both damage resistance and connection stability.
3Strength
If support elements are designed with predetermined breaking points to avoid damage, then damage to pallet components is reduced, but locking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the support element and implemented as a separate, dedicated locking element (U-form or V-form). This allows the support element to be designed with predetermined breaking points for safety without compromising locking reliability, as the separate locking element maintains the secure connection even if the support element fails.
4Ease of repair
If locking elements are designed to be easily replaceable to reduce repair costs, then ease of repair is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic features that enable easy replacement while maintaining strong connections during use. The U-form or V-form locking element can be quickly inserted and removed from the support element, facilitating easy repair. During normal operation, the same design provides robust connection strength through its geometric locking action.
Data Source
AI summary
In a transporting pallet made of plastics material, having a cover plate (1), forming a support surface (2) for the goods to be received, and a base part (3) and also support elements (5) between the cover plate (1) and the base part (3) said support elements (5) being formed separately or as a part of the cover plate (1) and/or the base part (3) and connecting the cover plate and the base part together at a distance and forming openings between one another for the engagement of lifting elements, in particular for the engagement of fork prongs of a fork stacker, the cover plate (1) and the base part (3) are connected together by closure elements (11) which are each formed with a predetermined breaking point (25).