Pallet Turntable Rotation for Dense and Ergonomic Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet systems require significant effort and strain for pickers to access articles not directly in front, as they need to bend and reach, leading to ergonomic issues and reduced storage density due to the need for additional space and rack redesigns in prior art solutions.
Innovation Solution
A rotating apparatus integrated with or mounted on a pallet, featuring a turntable and platform that allows articles to be rotated in 90-degree or 180-degree increments, enabling easier access and maintaining storage density by positioning articles closer to the picker without requiring additional clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If articles are stored on a static pallet requiring pickers to reach back and pull articles, then storage density is maintained, but picker ergonomics deteriorate and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static pallet into a dynamic rotating platform. The turntable mechanism allows the pallet to rotate 180 degrees or 360 degrees, enabling pickers to access articles from any position without excessive reaching or bending. This dynamic adjustment of article positions directly improves picker ergonomics while maintaining high picking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically rotating the pallet to optimal positions before picking operations. The rotation mechanism pre-positions articles in easily accessible locations, eliminating the need for pickers to stretch or bend during the actual picking process. This preparatory rotation enhances both ergonomics and productivity.
2Ease of operation
If prior art solutions provide additional space about the top and sides of the pallet for picker access, then picker access improves, but storage density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing additional static space around the pallet, the invention uses dynamic rotation to bring articles within picker reach. The turntable mechanism allows compact pallet configurations while maintaining excellent access, as articles can be rotated to the front position without requiring extra clearance space between racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the space problem by adding rotational movement in a new dimension. Rather than expanding horizontal clearance space, the system uses vertical rotation capability to reposition articles, allowing dense rack configurations while maintaining easy picker access to all articles.
3Ease of operation
If the entire pallet rests on a turntable allowing full pallet rotation, then article accessibility improves, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pallet system into two parts: a stationary base and a rotating platform. Only the platform carrying the articles rotates, while the base remains fixed. This segmentation reduces the space required for rotation compared to moving the entire pallet, while still providing full article accessibility through platform rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mechanism is extracted as a separate platform component rather than being integrated into the entire pallet structure. This allows the rotation function to be isolated to only the necessary article-carrying surface, minimizing the footprint and space requirements while maintaining complete article accessibility.
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 reduces picker strain, enhances ergonomics, increases storage density, and reduces labor costs by allowing efficient picking and loading of articles from any pallet position, facilitating multiple product storage without the need for additional space or rack redesign.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises a pallet cover, a turntable bearing, and a platform or flat surface on which to stack the articles
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for rotating articles stored on a pallet without rotating the entire pallet. The turntable of the present invention is located on the pallet or integrated into the top surface of the pallet. By rotating the pallet within the rack, the articles thereon may be loaded and unloaded from a position directly in front of the picker.