Pallet Sled Gravity Lift Mechanism for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet lifting and moving solutions are often large, heavy, expensive, and difficult to maneuver, especially when trying to move pallets into refrigerators or freezers, as they may be too large to fit or hard to navigate once inside.
Innovation Solution
A pallet sled with a lightweight, manual, non-powered lift mechanism that includes an upper frame with pivotable arms and a handle connected to both frames, allowing for easy lifting and maneuverability of pallets, particularly designed for 'half-pallets' to fit into tight spaces like refrigerators or freezers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If powered lifts with motors or hydraulics are used to lift and move pallets, then lifting capability and power are improved, but device weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet sled utilizes the gravitational force of the loaded pallet itself to power the lifting operation. When the pallet is placed on the sled and the sled is tilted, the pallet's weight automatically drives the lifting mechanism through gravity, eliminating the need for external motors or hydraulic systems. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing lifting capability without adding heavy powered components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex powered mechanical systems (motors, hydraulics) with a simple gravity-based mechanical system. The lifting mechanism consists of basic mechanical elements like a tilt tray, pivot arms, and gravity-driven motion, substituting expensive and heavy powered systems with lightweight passive mechanics that achieve the same lifting function.
2Power
If large powered lifts are used to move pallets, then lifting power is improved, but ease of maneuverability and accessibility to confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pallet handling function into two separate operations: lifting (achieved through gravity-driven mechanism) and moving (achieved through wheeled sled). This segmentation allows the device to be compact and maneuverable for navigation while still providing adequate lifting capability through the segmented gravity-based mechanism, resolving the contradiction between power and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled acts as an intermediary device between the pallet and the final destination. It provides a lightweight platform that can be easily maneuvered into confined spaces like refrigerators or freezers, then uses gravity as a mediator to perform the lifting operation without requiring the entire system to be large and powerful, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving lifting power.
3Weight of moving object
If manual gravity-based lifting is used, then device weight and cost are reduced, but lifting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention effectively uses the pallet's own weight as a counterweight system. The gravity-driven mechanism converts the pallet's weight from a burden into the lifting force itself. As the pallet is loaded onto the sled, its weight automatically engages and drives the lifting mechanism, meaning the device weight is minimal while lifting capability is maximized by utilizing the load's own mass.
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 sled provides a compact, lightweight solution for lifting and moving pallets into stores, ensuring easy access and maneuverability, even in confined areas like refrigerators or freezers, without the need for heavy or expensive powered equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A handle is pivotably connected to the lower frame and the upper frame, such that pivoting the handle selectively raises and lowers the upper frame relative to the lower frame
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet sled includes an upper frame including spaced-apart arms adapted to receive feet of a pallet therebetween. A lower frame supports the upper frame. A plurality of pivotable arms connect the lower frame to the upper frame. A handle is pivotably connected to the lower frame and the upper frame, such that pivoting the handle selectively raises and lowers the upper frame relative to the lower frame.