Pallet Support Assembly Shock Absorption via Segmented Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated material handling, existing solutions require overly robust and heavy pallets to absorb sharp load spikes, which are inefficient and require numerous fabrication steps.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with vertically extending support members attached to a pallet table, which absorb shock loads through damping articles and transfer them to the frame, allowing for lighter and less material-intensive pallets while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pallets are made overly robust to absorb sharp load spikes, then shock absorption capability is improved, but weight increases and fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly segments the shock absorption function from the pallet structure by introducing separate support members with damping articles. The pallet itself becomes a lighter platform while the dedicated support members (vertical posts with damping elements) handle the shock absorption, dividing the system into functional components that can be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Damping articles serve as intermediary elements between the dropped part and the pallet structure. These intermediaries (such as foam, rubber, or spring elements) absorb the shock energy through deformation or vibration, protecting the pallet from direct impact forces while allowing the pallet to remain lightweight.
2Strength
If pallets are made overly robust to absorb sharp load spikes, then shock absorption capability is improved, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly segments the shock absorption function from the pallet structure by introducing separate support members with damping articles. The pallet itself becomes a lighter platform while the dedicated support members (vertical posts with damping elements) handle the shock absorption, dividing the system into functional components that can be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Damping articles serve as intermediary elements between the dropped part and the pallet structure. These intermediaries (such as foam, rubber, or spring elements) absorb the shock energy through deformation or vibration, protecting the pallet from direct impact forces while allowing the pallet to remain lightweight.
3Strength
If support members extend through the pallet, then shock absorption is improved, but the pallet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to move vertically in response to impact forces. This dynamic capability enables the support members to absorb shocks effectively while maintaining a relatively simple pallet structure, as the complexity is confined to the movable support mechanism rather than the entire pallet framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Damping articles serve as intermediary elements between the dropped part and the pallet structure. These intermediaries (such as foam, rubber, or spring elements) absorb the shock energy through deformation or vibration, protecting the pallet from direct impact forces while allowing the pallet to remain lightweight.
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 support assembly effectively absorbs shock loads, reducing the weight and material needed for pallets, enabling human handling and reducing fabrication complexity while maintaining stability and shock absorption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the part with the support members and damping articles. The damping articles cushion the dropped part
Implementation Method 2
The damping articles cushion the dropped part and absorb sharp load spikes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A support assembly (200) includes a pallet table (206) having an upper surface (208). A plurality of support members (202) are configured to pass through a pallet (204) positioned on the upper surface (208) of the pallet table (206). Each support member (202) includes a receiving surface (212) that defines a portion of a channel (213) extending across the support members (202).