Pallet Relief Pattern for Load Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pallet designs face challenges in securely supporting and retaining loads with varying geometries, particularly cylindrical loads, as they tend to slide, roll, or fall during transport due to inadequate friction and compatibility issues with modular wedges.

Innovation Solution

A pallet with a pattern of reliefs on its surface, comprising two groups of protrusions and projections, distributes load uniformly and prevents displacement by interacting with the load, ensuring secure retention and stability across different geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a flat surface is used to support load, then the pallet structure is simple, but the load cannot be retained and may slide or roll during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepallet structureVSAvoidload retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flat surface is segmented into multiple reliefs arranged in a pattern, where each relief acts as an independent retention element. This segmentation allows the pallet to maintain structural simplicity while providing multiple contact points that prevent load sliding and rolling during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reliefs are strategically positioned at specific locations on the pallet surface to interact with particular features of the load (such as cylindrical loads). This local quality approach ensures that retention is provided exactly where needed, preventing sliding and rolling without complicating the entire pallet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If modular wedges are used to support cylindrical loads, then the load can be retained, but the solution only works for homogeneous loads and cannot accommodate different diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload retentionVSAvoidload geometry compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relief pattern is designed to be universal, accommodating loads of different geometries and diameters. The pattern includes reliefs of varying heights and configurations that can interact with different load types, making the pallet versatile for heterogeneous loads while maintaining reliable retention through the same structural element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reliefs are designed with varying parameters (height, position, shape) within the pattern to accommodate different load dimensions. This allows the same pallet structure to adapt to loads with different diameters and geometries by utilizing reliefs with appropriate dimensional characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If anchoring elements like belts or ropes are used, then the load can be secured against sliding, but the load cannot be coupled with other loads of different geometries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload fixationVSAvoidload coupling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relief pattern provides self-service retention through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for external anchoring elements like belts or ropes. The reliefs directly interact with the load to prevent sliding and rolling, while the pattern's design allows multiple loads to be coupled together through the same structural mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The pallet effectively supports and fixes loads with diverse geometries, preventing movement and damage during transport by distributing the load uniformly and providing enhanced retention through the pattern of reliefs, ensuring stability and secure positioning.

Implementation Method 1

the points of the load in contact with the surface that receive the force of these elements suffer greater friction while the points that do not receive the force transmitted by said anchoring elements can slide along the flat surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4393834A1pallet
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 CABKA GROUP GMBH
  • EP4393834A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4393834A1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4393834A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pallet (P) comprising a plurality of reliefs arranged according to a pattern (W) on a first face (1.1) of a first surface (1), configured to support a corresponding load on said pallet. The pattern present on the pallet of the present invention is configured to align and retain the load supported on the first face of the first surface mentioned.