Pallet Rest Element and Adhesive Binding for Slab Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for positioning and fastening slab-shaped objects on pallets are limited by weight constraints, leading to instability and damage during transport and storage, especially under extreme climatic conditions, as strap rings used for binding can loosen and break due to heat expansion and physical impacts.

Innovation Solution

A pallet design with a perpendicular rest element dividing the base into two parts allows vertical positioning of slab-shaped objects, ensuring stability, combined with alternating binding using strap rings and adhesive substances for secure fastening, enabling efficient loading and stability under varying conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple slab-shaped objects are arranged vertically on a pallet to increase storage and transport capacity, then the quantity of objects per square metre is improved, but the stability and reliability of the arrangement deteriorates due to weight constraints and risk of breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of slab-shaped objectsVSAvoidstability of vertical arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the base into two distinct parts (first base part and second base part) separated by a rest element. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple support points, enabling stable vertical arrangement of multiple slab-shaped objects without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rest element emerging perpendicularly from the base acts as an intermediary structure that provides additional support points. This intermediary element enables the vertical positioning of slab-shaped objects by allowing them to rest on both the base parts and the rest element, thereby increasing quantity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If strap rings are used to bind slab-shaped objects horizontally, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates under extreme climatic conditions due to heat expansion and breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of binding operationVSAvoidstability under climatic conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two different binding methods: horizontal strap rings for ease of operation and adhesive substance application for climatic reliability. This combination allows the system to benefit from both the operational simplicity of mechanical fastening and the environmental stability of chemical bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The binding system uses a composite approach combining mechanical fastening (strap rings) with chemical bonding (adhesive substance). This composite fastening method ensures that the slab-shaped objects remain securely bound under varying climatic conditions while maintaining ease of operation during loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If slab-shaped objects are arranged vertically to increase loading capacity, then the productivity is improved, but the stability worsens due to inclination and projection issues during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading capacity per square metreVSAvoidvertical stability during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the base into two parts with an intermediate rest element, the invention creates multiple stabilization points that prevent inclination and projection of vertically arranged slab-shaped objects during transport, thereby maintaining stability while maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rest element serves as an intermediary support structure that prevents the slab-shaped objects from inclining or projecting during transport. This intermediary element provides additional contact points that maintain vertical stability while allowing high-density vertical arrangement for improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enhances the vertical stability and loading capacity of slab-shaped objects on pallets, preventing damage and instability during transport and storage by ensuring secure fastening through a combination of strap rings and adhesive substances, even under extreme conditions.

Implementation Method 1

applying an adhesive substance to a first base part or to a face of a slab-shaped object... applies an adhesive substance to the first lateral portion of the rest element or to a face of a slab-shaped object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

binding, with at least one strap ring, the slab-shaped objects already positioned on the pallet to the rest element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3515828B1An apparatus for vertical positioning of slab-shaped objects on a pallet and of fastening of the slab-shaped objects to one another and to the pallet
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 LK LAB SRL
  • EP3515828B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3515828B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3515828B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method and an apparatus (1) are described, of vertical positioning of slab- shaped objects (4) on a pallet (3) and of fastening of the slab-shaped objects (4) to one another and to the pallet (3), which pallet (3) comprises a base (5) and a rest element (6) which rises perpendicularly from the base (5). The method comprises steps of: positioning a first slab-shaped object (41a) and a second slab-shaped object (42a) substantially vertical on the pallet (3), so that the first slab-shaped object (41a) and the second slab-shaped object (42a) rest on a relative flank (4c) respectively on the first base part (5a) and on the second base part (5b) and with a relative first face, against a first lateral portion (31) and against a second lateral portion (32) of the rest element (6); positioning, one by one, the remaining slab-shaped objects (4) so that each thereof rests on a relative face against an opposite face of another slab- shaped object (4) which has already been positioned. During the above- described positioning steps, or on conclusion of the above-described positioning steps, binding, using at least a strap ring (50), the slab-shaped objects (4) already positioned on the pallet (3), to the rest element (6) and fastening all, or a part of, the slab-shaped objects (4) to one another using an adhesive substance (60).