Pallet Surface Element Under Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallets lack sufficient mechanical strength to securely transport unit loads without risking damage or destruction due to increased weight, leading to potential damage or destruction of the pallet itself.
Innovation Solution
A pallet design featuring interconnected side elements and surface elements, where the side elements are arranged to maintain the surface elements under compression, using materials like metal or engineered wood, with adjustable supports and apertures for easy access and load distribution, ensuring stable and secure transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pallet uses traditional design without compression maintenance, then the structure is simpler, but the mechanical strength is insufficient to support heavier loads
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into multiple side elements (typically four) that can be independently assembled and connected through inter-engagement mechanisms. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall compression maintenance while enabling modular assembly and repair
Solution Approach 2:
The side elements are combined through inter-engagement features and fixings to form a unified compression maintenance system. The merging of multiple elements working together creates the necessary mechanical strength to support heavier loads while distributing the structural demands across multiple components
2Force
If the pallet is designed for heavier loads, then the load capacity increases, but the risk of pallet damage or destruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side elements are pre-configured to maintain the surface element under compression before the load is applied. This preliminary compression state creates internal pre-stress that counteracts the external loads, preventing the pallet from reaching damage thresholds even under heavy loading conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet design changes the stress state parameter of the surface element from tension or neutral to compression. By maintaining the surface element in a compressed state, the material's effective strength is increased, allowing the pallet to safely support heavier loads
3Strength
If the side elements are interconnected to maintain compression, then the mechanical strength improves, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into multiple side elements (typically four) that can be independently assembled and connected through inter-engagement mechanisms. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall compression maintenance while enabling modular assembly and repair
Solution Approach 2:
The side elements incorporate self-aligning and self-securing features that allow them to automatically engage and maintain compression when assembled. The inter-engagement mechanisms are designed to self-lock or self-adjust, reducing the need for complex assembly procedures or specialized tools
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 design provides enhanced mechanical strength and stability, allowing for the secure transport of heavier loads while minimizing the risk of pallet damage, facilitating easy assembly, replacement of parts, and compatibility with forklifts and pallet trucks.
Implementation Method 1
a pallet that can accommodate a unit load of increased weight with reduced risk of damage or destruction... side elements arranged, in use, to maintain the at least one surface element under compression
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet for the stable transport of goods; the pallet comprising at least one surface element, and a plurality of side elements arranged, in use, to maintain the at least one surface element under compression. Preferably the at least one surface element comprises a planar body, which is generally parallelepiped in shape, and having a periphery defined by peripheral edges. Preferably a portion of each side element is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a respective peripheral edge of the at least one surface element whereby the at least one surface element is retained within the side elements. Preferably the perimeter length of the at least one surface element exceeds the perimeter length defined by the assembled side elements whereby the at least one surface element is held under compression within the frame assembly of the side elements.