Plastic Load Carrier Stacking Stability via Asymmetric Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large load carriers lack versatility and stability in stacking, particularly when mixed with different types of pallets such as lattice box pallets and Euro pallets, and often require complex mechanisms for secure stacking.
Innovation Solution
The design features all-round side walls with projections and support surfaces that allow for stable stacking with both lattice box pallets and Euro pallets, utilizing projections that surround the feet of similarly designed load carriers for non-slip connections, and incorporating material-reinforced regions for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If projections and support surfaces are added to enable stacking with various pallet types, then versatility and compatibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are designed with multiple projections (first projections and second projections) and support surfaces that can accommodate different pallet types (lattice box pallets, Euro pallets, and other load carriers). The first projections surround the feet on the inside while the second projections flank the feet on the front side, creating a universal stacking interface that works across various pallet standards without requiring different container designs for each pallet type.
2Stability of the object's composition
If all-round side walls with projections are used for stable stacking, then stackability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are segmented into multiple functional elements: first projections for internal foot engagement, second projections for external foot flanking, and support surfaces for load distribution. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability through modular construction approaches.
3Reliability
If projections surround the feet to create non-slip connections, then stacking stability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second projections are positioned asymmetrically relative to the feet: the first projections surround the feet on the inside while the second projections flank the feet on the front side. This asymmetric arrangement creates a non-slip connection that prevents lateral movement and sliding during stacking, with each projection type serving a specific directional function in the stability mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heavy load carrier (2) which is made of plastics material and has a base part (14), comprising a number of feet (20), and four side walls (4, 6), wherein the side walls (4, 6) have positioning surfaces (36) for receiving feet (20) of an identically designed heavy load carrier (2) in a stack, wherein the positioning surfaces (36) are arranged in a recessed state in relation to protrusions (30) of the side walls (4, 6), and wherein the protrusions (30) at least partially surround the feet (20) of an identically designed heavy load carrier (2) in the stack circumferentially. Provision is made here for a first protrusion at least partially to surround a foot (20) of the identically designed heavy load carrier (2) in the stack on the inside (22) of the foot, and for a second protrusion at least partially to surround the foot (20) of an identically designed heavy load carrier (2) in the stack on the end side (24) of the foot.