Pallet Ramp for Vertical Mobile Equipment Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallets are inefficient in utilizing vertical space in warehouses, particularly for mobile equipment like pallet jacks, as they cannot be effectively stored vertically, leading to underutilization of storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
The development of pallets with a ramp structure and additional features such as wheel chocks and bump stops to facilitate vertical storage and secure rolling equipment, allowing for easy transportation and prevention of equipment from falling off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional flat pallets are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but vertical storage capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet design incorporates a vertical dimension through the ramp structure and carriage rest configuration, transforming a traditionally two-dimensional flat surface into a three-dimensional loading platform that enables vertical stacking and storage of equipment like pallet jacks
2Productivity
If pallets are designed with additional features for vertical storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is designed with multi-functional features: the ramp serves both as a loading interface and a structural support element, the carriage rest provides both positioning and stacking functionality, and the wheel chocks serve both security and structural purposes, allowing a single pallet design to handle multiple operations including vertical storage, horizontal transport, and equipment securing
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet structure is divided into distinct functional segments (ramp, carriage rest, wheel chocks, bump stops) that can be independently analyzed and optimized, allowing complexity to be managed through modular functional breakdown while achieving multiple objectives
3Ease of operation
If conventional pallets without securing features are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but equipment security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel chocks and bump stops are pre-positioned on the pallet structure before equipment loading, creating ready-made securing points that automatically engage with equipment wheels and bodies, eliminating the need for additional securing operations while ensuring equipment stability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a pallet that includes a carriage rest and a ramp. The pallet can include one or more running boards and can comprise a wheel chock. The disclosed pallets can include a bump stop to prevent equipment from rolling out of position. The disclosed pallets can also include supports and tiedown buckles. The disclosed pallets are useful to allow easy vertical storage of equipment, particularly rolling equipment.