Pallet Mobilizer Wheeled Assemblies for 463L Pallet Ground Movement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The 463L pallet is difficult to move on a support surface without forklift assistance due to its design, which requires blocking or 'dunnage' to allow forklift forks to engage, and its heavy load capacity necessitates large forklifts, often not available at small military bases, leading to suboptimal unloading methods like manual removal or dragging.

Innovation Solution

A pallet mobilizer system comprising first and second wheeled assemblies with receivers to engage wedge interface members on the pallet, and side rails extending between the wheeled assemblies, allowing the pallet to be lifted and moved manually or towed across a support surface without the need for forklifts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the 463L pallet is designed to be thin, light, and strong for aircraft transport, then it achieves optimal load capacity and space efficiency, but it becomes difficult to move on ground surfaces without forklift assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepallet weightVSAvoidease of movement on ground

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wheeled assemblies with receivers as an intermediary device between the pallet and the ground surface. These wheeled assemblies engage with the wedge interface members on the pallet bottom, providing a mobile platform that enables easy ground movement while preserving the pallet's original thin, light, and strong design characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobility system is segmented into separate wheeled assemblies that can be independently attached to the pallet. Each wheeled assembly includes receivers that engage with wedge interface members, allowing the pallet to be divided into a load-bearing platform and a mobile support system, thus improving ease of operation without compromising the pallet's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If blocking or dunnage is placed underneath the pallet to allow forklift fork engagement, then the pallet can be lifted and moved, but additional space is consumed and the operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforklift engagement capabilityVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge interface members on the pallet bottom serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement for the pallet and simultaneously serve as engagement points for both forklift forks and the receivers on wheeled assemblies. This eliminates the need for separate blocking or dunnage, reducing space consumption while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If large forklifts are used to handle the 10,000 lb load capacity of the pallet, then the pallet can be moved and loaded, but the equipment size increases and availability decreases at small military bases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload handling capabilityVSAvoidequipment availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wheeled assemblies act as an intermediary that distributes the 10,000 lb load across multiple small wheels rather than requiring a single large forklift. This mediation enables the pallet to be moved using smaller, more maneuverable equipment or even manual effort, significantly improving adaptability to locations with limited equipment availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The load handling function is segmented from the pallet itself and transferred to the wheeled assemblies. Each wheeled assembly independently supports a portion of the total load, allowing the system to handle full 10,000 lb capacities while using smaller, more versatile components that are available at small military bases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual unloading methods are used when forklifts are unavailable, then personnel can remove cargo, but the process requires more personnel time and increases risk of cargo damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidunloading time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wheeled assemblies serve as a mechanical intermediary that enables the pallet to be rolled to suitable locations and tilted for cargo access. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual unloading while maintaining operational flexibility in locations without forklifts, significantly reducing personnel time requirements and cargo damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250058809A1Pallet Mobilizer System and Method

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 HDT EXPEDITIONARY SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A pallet mobilizer for engaging and moving an associated pallet on a support surface includes a first wheeled assembly including a first frame including a first receiver adapted to be engaged with a first edge of the associated pallet, and includes a second wheeled assembly including a second frame including a second receiver adapted to be engaged with a second edge of the associated pallet that is parallel to and spaced-apart from the first edge. The pallet mobilizer also includes a first side rail adapted to be located adjacent a third edge of the associated pallet, the first side rail connected to and extending between the first and second frames. The pallet mobilizer further includes a second side rail adapted to be located adjacent a fourth edge of the associated pallet, the second side rail connected to and extending between the first and second frames.