Pallet Stops in Deck Voids for Stacking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic pallets with non-slip designs can have impaired sliding properties due to weather conditions, and their protruding edge strips can cause malfunctions in automated environments when stacked with empty loads, leading to instability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of upright knobs as stops within the pallet deck's imperfection areas, specifically designed to fit the rounded corners of plastic pallet runners, ensures a secure stacking bond without protruding beyond the pallet's dimensions, preventing unwanted deformation and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If non-slip surface is designed on plastic pallet to prevent sliding, then stacking stability is improved, but sliding properties are impaired especially under weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet surface is segmented into two distinct zones: a non-slip area at the edge for stacking stability and a smooth sliding area in the center for easy pallet handling. This segmentation allows both contradictory requirements to be satisfied in different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface qualities are applied to different locations on the pallet. The edge region has a non-slip surface structure to prevent pallets from sliding off during stacking, while the central loading area maintains a smooth surface to preserve sliding properties for automated handling and weather resistance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If edge strips are positioned outside the pallet base area to provide stacking stops, then stacking stability is improved, but automated handling is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking stop function is extracted from the traditional external edge strip position and repositioned to the pallet edge within the base area. This extraction maintains the stacking stability function while removing the interference with automated conveyor systems that require clear outer edges.
3Extent of automation
If edge strips are positioned on the pallet deck within base area to enable automated handling, then automated operation is improved, but stacking stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet surface is differentiated into zones with different functions: the central area maintains smooth properties for automated handling, while the edge zone incorporates non-slip characteristics and stacking stops to ensure stacking stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between automated operation and stacking stability.
4Strength
If upright studs are used instead of elongated strips as stops, then load deformation is minimized, but stacking bond strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sharp-edged rectangular stops, the patent uses upright studs with rounded contours. This curvature design minimizes stress concentration and prevents deformation of loaded goods while still providing effective stacking stops through the rounded positive fit with corresponding defects on stacked pallets.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pallet (1) as a load carrier, comprising a top face, which is called the pallet top (4), and a bottom face, which is designed in the form of separate runners (9), the pallet (1) consisting of plastics material, and the runners (9) having an elongate, substantially rectangular standing surface but having voids (14) in the form of roundings or chamfers at the four corners of said standing surface, stops (6) being arranged at the edge of the pallet top (4), which stops project upward beyond the pallet top (4). According to the invention, the stops (6) are arranged in so-called void regions (15) of the pallet top (4), namely where the voids (14) of a runner (9) of a second, identical pallet (1) standing congruently on the pallet top (4) are located.