Mechanical Pallet Tower Latch for Power-Free Dense Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet towers face challenges in safe and efficient storage and retrieval of pallets, particularly in locations without access to electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic power sources, and there is a need for improved mechanisms to manage pallet storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A pallet tower design featuring a support latch frame with pivotally mounted latches that operate between open and closed configurations, utilizing a latch pull chain mechanism and spring bias to secure pallets without power, along with a containment frame that restricts oxygen flow to reduce fire risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electro-mechanical or hydraulic mechanisms are used to assist in storage and removal of pallets, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-dependent components (electro-mechanical or hydraulic mechanisms) from the pallet tower system, replacing them with a simple mechanical latch system that operates without external power sources. This eliminates complexity while maintaining operational capability through manual forklift manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support latch system is designed to be self-servicing through gravity and mechanical advantage. The latch automatically engages when the forklift lowers the pallet and can be released by applying upward force, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If electro-mechanical or hydraulic mechanisms are used to assist in storage and removal of pallets, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in event of power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all power-dependent components from the system, making it immune to power failures. The mechanical latch system operates independently of electrical or hydraulic infrastructure, ensuring continuous reliability in any operational environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, robust mechanical components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex electro-mechanical systems that require power infrastructure and are vulnerable to failure. The mechanical latch is designed for durability and simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If containment frame with solid panels is used to restrict oxygen flow, then fire safety is improved, but illumination intensity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The containment frame is segmented with openings rather than being completely solid, allowing light penetration while still restricting oxygen flow sufficiently for fire safety. The segmented structure balances safety requirements with operational visibility needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the containment frame have different properties - areas requiring fire safety have restricted oxygen flow, while areas requiring visibility have openings for light penetration. This local differentiation optimizes both fire safety and illumination.
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
Enables safe and efficient storage and retrieval of pallets without requiring power sources, ensuring reliable operation and reducing fire hazards through mechanical means.
Implementation Method 1
The support latch may rest in the open configuration due to a biasing spring
Implementation Method 2
The support latch may stay in the closed configuration by the weight of the pallet
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet tower for high-density pallet storage which provides for loading and unloading of pallets from a pallet storage area via mechanical operation. The pallet tower has a base frame defining a pallet receiving area, the pallet receiving area for receiving a pallet: a containment frame attached to a support latch frame and/or the base frame, the containment frame defining a pallet storage area for storing the pallet; and a support latch frame attached to the base frame, the support latch frame having a support latch operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and the support latch in the closed configuration for supporting the pallet when the pallet is in the pallet storage area.