Pallet Stiffening Tube Retention via Nested Securing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallets face issues with stiffness and strength variations due to thermal expansion and shrinkage, leading to protrusion of stiffening elements, difficulty in securing wrapping film, and inadequate non-slip features, which affect mechanical performance and logistics compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A pallet design featuring a main body with a cylindrical cavity housing a stiffening tube, secured by deformable circular elements and a non-slip element in a polygonal cavity, along with replaceable shoes and projections for improved film retention, manufactured using two-component injection molding with varying plastic stiffness for enhanced mechanical performance and impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stiffening tubes are inserted into the pallet body, then the pallet's mechanical strength and stiffness are improved, but the tubes may protrude through the edges due to thermal expansion and shrinkage, causing dirt entry and reduced mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening tube is nested within a cavity in the pallet body, with a securing element (cap) placed over the tube's outer surface. The cap includes fixing means that engage with the tube, creating a nested structure where the tube is contained within the cavity and secured by the cap, preventing protrusion while maintaining mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity is pre-formed in the pallet body during manufacturing, and the securing element is designed to be installed before the pallet undergoes thermal cycling. This preliminary positioning ensures the tube remains secured during thermal expansion and shrinkage, preventing later protrusion issues
2Ease of manufacture
If the pallet structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to secure wrapping film and prevent sliding is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet structure is segmented into functional zones: the cavity system for stiffening elements, the polygonal cavity for non-slip elements, and projection elements for film retention. These segmented features are integrated into the molding process, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing specialized functions for film security and anti-slip performance
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional single-component molding is used, then manufacturing process is simpler, but impact resistance and mechanical performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is manufactured using two-component injection molding, combining a first plastic material for the main body and a second plastic material for specific reinforcement zones. This composite approach provides enhanced impact resistance and mechanical performance while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through integrated molding processes
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 solution ensures consistent load strength, prevents stiffening element protrusion, securely holds wrapping film, and enhances impact resistance and logistics compatibility, while allowing for easy maintenance and repair of shoes.
Implementation Method 1
the first fixing means comprise a set of deformable circular sheets which are inserted into the stiffening element and offer frictional resistance against the inner walls of the stiffening element
Implementation Method 2
manufactured using two-component injection molding with varying plastic stiffness for enhanced mechanical performance and impact absorption
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The invention provides a pallet (1) comprising a main body (2) with a front surface (21) intended for receiving goods, a rear surface opposite the front surface (21) and a lateral perimeter (22), a plurality of shoes (3) fixed to the main body (2) by connection means (4), a first cavity comprised in the main body (2) with an inlet (5) located on the lateral perimeter (22) and a stiffening element (14) housed in this first cavity. The invention further comprises at least one securing element (6) fixed to the inlet (5) of the cavity and the stiffening element, where the securing element (6) comprises first fixing means adapted for being fixed to the stiffening element, and second fixing means adapted for being fixed to the inlet (5) of the cavity.