Adjustable Pallet Wing Deck Board for Cargo Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallet systems face inefficiencies in carrying goods of varying sizes, leading to wasted cargo space and instability when multiple pallets are used together, due to their fixed dimensions and complex adjustable mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pallet system with an adjustable deck size, featuring a wing deck board that can be inserted between existing deck boards to adjust the length and width, allowing for flexible sizing without modifying the pallet, and enabling efficient use of cargo space by accommodating different goods sizes with minimal additional material and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed-size pallet is used, then the pallet structure is simple and stable, but cargo space is wasted when goods do not occupy the entire deck area
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into a base pallet structure and separate wing deck boards that can be added or removed. The wing deck boards are segmented components that attach to the side stringer boards, allowing the deck area to be divided into fixed and variable portions. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different cargo sizes without redesigning the entire pallet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet transitions from a static fixed-size structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The wing deck boards can be attached or detached based on cargo requirements, making the pallet deck size variable rather than fixed. This dynamic capability allows the same base pallet to serve multiple cargo configurations efficiently.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple pallets are placed next to each other to accommodate larger goods, then cargo capacity increases, but the structure becomes unstable and difficult to lift
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pallet components (base pallet + wing deck boards) are merged into a single integrated pallet system. Instead of using separate pallets that must be stacked or placed adjacent to each other, the wing deck boards extend the deck area of a single pallet, creating one unified stable structure that can accommodate larger goods without requiring multiple pallet assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet deck area is extended by adding wing deck boards in the lateral dimension rather than stacking pallets vertically or placing them adjacent horizontally. This dimensional extension allows the single pallet to achieve the cargo capacity of multiple pallets while maintaining structural integrity and stability for lifting operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable pallet system with movable deck boards is used, then deck size adaptability improves, but the construction becomes complicated and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment functionality is extracted from the base pallet structure and implemented as separate, removable wing deck boards. Instead of making the entire pallet complex and adjustable, only the necessary deck extension portions are made variable. The base pallet remains a simple, standard structure that is easy to manufacture, while the optional wings provide the adaptability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Attachment means serve as intermediaries between the base pallet and wing deck boards. These simple connection mechanisms (such as fasteners or joining elements) enable easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex integrated adjustment mechanisms. The intermediaries facilitate the adaptable configuration while keeping both the base pallet and wing components simple to manufacture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pallet system (1) having a deck (26) formed by at least two parallel deck boards (6) and at least one wing deck board (16). The deck boards (6) are part of a pallet (2) and are arranged on at least two stringer boards (8) forming at least one space (7) between the deck boards (6). The stringer boards (8) are arranged on blocks (13). The wing deck board (16) is part of a wing (4) and has two opposite end portions (18, 24). One end portions (18) is arranged on at least one spacer (22) and the other end portion (24) is free. The wing (4) is placeable in the pallet (2) by placing the free end portion (24) of the wing deck board (16) in the space (7) between the deck boards (6) of the pallet (2).