Pallet Positioning Device with Pivot Joint and Locking Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for positioning transport pallets, particularly air freight pallets, lack the ability to control precise positioning in all horizontal directions and rotary movements, leading to limited usability and increased occupational safety risks due to uncontrolled movements.

Innovation Solution

A device with a coupling unit, handle element, and locking unit that allows for precise positioning and rotation of transport pallets, featuring a pivot joint, U-shaped bracket, and locking mechanism to secure the pallet in place, ensuring controlled movement and enhanced safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pull strap or hook is used to position the pallet, then the operator can pull the pallet towards them, but the pallet cannot be positioned in all horizontal directions and rotary movements are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidmovement direction control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling unit incorporates a pivot joint that allows the handle element to rotate relative to the coupling element about a horizontal axis, enabling dynamic adjustment of the handle position. This dynamic mechanism allows the operator to pull the pallet in multiple directions and control rotary movements, resolving the limitation of fixed-direction pulling with a traditional strap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling unit acts as an intermediary between the handle element and the pallet edge. It includes a coupling element that engages with the pallet edge and a pivot joint that mediates the transmission of forces, allowing controlled positioning in all horizontal directions while maintaining a secure connection to the pallet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a pull strap is used without a locking mechanism, then the pallet can be moved, but uncontrolled movements and crushing risks occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepallet handling efficiencyVSAvoidoccupational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit is designed to automatically lock the coupling element to the pallet edge in a position-fixed and rotation-fixed manner before the operator begins moving the pallet. This preliminary locking action prevents uncontrolled movements and crushing risks during the entire handling process, while the handle element remains freely movable for operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking unit changes the state of the coupling element from movable to fixed by engaging a locking mechanism. This parameter change (from free movement to locked position) ensures occupational safety by preventing the handle element from detaching or moving uncontrollably, while still allowing the operator to position the pallet precisely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the handle element is rigidly connected to the coupling element, then the structure is simple, but the operator cannot control the pallet position and rotation precisely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot joint introduces a controlled degree of freedom between the handle element and coupling element, allowing the operator to precisely position the pallet in all horizontal directions and control rotation about the horizontal axis. This dynamic connection provides superior positioning accuracy compared to a rigid connection, while adding only minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If the locking unit locks the handle element in place, then positioning precision is improved, but the operator loses flexibility in handling movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition fixing accuracyVSAvoidhandling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two independent functional parts: the locking unit that secures the coupling element to the pallet edge, and the handle element that remains freely movable for operational flexibility. This segmentation allows the locking function to provide precise positioning while the handle element maintains full flexibility for handling movements in all directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot joint allows the handle element to rotate freely relative to the coupling element, maintaining handling flexibility even when the coupling element is locked in position. This dynamic separation ensures that locking the position does not restrict the operator's ability to maneuver the handle and control the pallet movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3800143B1Device for accurately positioning a transport pallet

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 DEUT POST AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for precisely positioning a transport pallet (2), in particular an air freight pallet (2), comprising a coupling unit (3, 4) for coupling with the transport pallet (2), a handle element (6) arranged on the coupling unit (3, 4) for handling the device (1) by an operator and a locking unit (7, 8) for locking the coupling unit (3, 4) to the transport pallet (2) in a position-fixed and rotation-fixed manner.