Pallet Skirt with Snap-Fit Flange Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet display systems require significant labor and materials for setup, as they often rely on tape or locking tabs to secure graphic skirts around support structures, and they incur high costs due to the use of additional materials like corrugated paper or plastic for larger shipping units.
Innovation Solution
A skirt system with a locking mechanism that includes upwardly extending flanges on a support pad interacting with internally formed pockets in the skirt, allowing for easy assembly and secure positioning around a stack of pallets, using corrugated paper or plastic materials with graphic designs, and foldable designs for efficient transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking tabs or tape are used to secure the skirt panels, then the skirt can be fixed at the corners, but this requires significant labor and additional materials for setup
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt system features self-latching mechanisms where the skirt panels automatically engage with the pallet structure through spring-loaded latches or snap-fit connections. The panels self-align and secure themselves when placed on the pallet, eliminating the need for manual assembly with tabs or tape, thus reducing setup labor while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary elements such as integrated attachment rails or guide channels on the pallet structure that mediate between the skirt panels and the pallet. These intermediaries provide automatic alignment and secure engagement points, allowing the skirt to fasten reliably without requiring additional fastening materials or significant assembly labor
2Reliability
If tape is used to secure the skirt panels, then the panels can be fixed, but this increases material costs and setup complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt panels incorporate self-latching mechanisms with spring-loaded latches or snap-fit connections that automatically engage with corresponding features on the pallet structure. This eliminates the need for external fastening materials like tape, reducing material costs while maintaining reliable panel fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment functionality is merged directly into the skirt panel structure itself, with integrated latches, clips, or snap-fit features built into the panels. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fastening materials, reducing both material costs and setup complexity while ensuring reliable panel securing
3Ease of operation
If a false bottom pallet skirt with interior support partitions is used, then the display can be moved directly onto the floor, but this requires more material and increases shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the unnecessary false bottom and interior support partition structure from the traditional pallet skirt design. By extracting these redundant structural elements, the skirt becomes lighter and requires less material while still providing adequate support when placed on standard pallets, thereby reducing shipping costs without compromising display mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt is designed as a modular system with separate panels that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the skirt to be optimized for minimal material usage while maintaining the ability to be moved and assembled at the display location, eliminating the need for excessive structural material required in traditional false bottom designs
Data Source
AI summary
A skirt system for use with a pallet carrying goods is provided. The skirt system includes a rectangular support pad that is positioned on a stack of pallets and a skirt having a rectangular opening. The skirt interacts with features on the support pad for quick and easy set up. The skirt covers the stack of pallets which supports goods and provides a visually pleasing display for such goods.