Recyclable Pallet Wrap Extending Service Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wood pallets have a short service life due to degradation from repeated use and exposure to weather conditions, leading to reduced load-bearing capacity and increased maintenance and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A pallet wrap system using recyclable materials like plastic, aluminum, and paper, with added chemicals for elasticity and adhesion, is applied to extend the life of wood pallets by protecting them from environmental factors and maintaining load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wood pallets are used repeatedly, then productivity is improved, but strength deteriorates due to degradation from repeated use and weather exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepallet service lifeVSAvoidload-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible wrap component made of recyclable materials (plastic, aluminum, paper) that is stretched and secured around the pallet to form a protective shell. This thin film structure encases the wood pallet, preventing direct exposure to weather elements while maintaining the pallet's structural integrity and load-bearing capacity throughout repeated use cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The wrap component is constructed from composite recyclable materials including plastic, aluminum, and paper layers, potentially combined with chemical additives for elasticity and adhesion. This composite structure provides enhanced protective properties against weather degradation while maintaining flexibility and recyclability, thereby extending pallet service life without compromising strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If wood pallets are protected from weather, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional protective components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to weather degradationVSAvoidpallet structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible wrap component that can be easily stretched and secured around the pallet, adding protective functionality without significant structural complexity. The wrap is applied over the existing pallet structure and secured in a manner that maintains simplicity while providing effective weather protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The wrap component is designed to be removable and recyclable. After serving its protective function during the pallet's service life, the wrap can be discarded or recovered for recycling, adding minimal permanent complexity to the pallet structure while providing sustained protection during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Object-generated harmful factors

If recyclable materials are used for the wrap component, then environmental impact is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental wasteVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process involves changing the physical state of recyclable materials through heating and melting, transforming them from solid waste materials into a formable wrap component. This parameter change enables the recycling process while maintaining manufacturing efficiency, as the materials are processed through standard extrusion or forming techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process utilizes phase transitions of recyclable materials, particularly heating to melt plastic or aluminum materials into a workable state for forming the wrap component, then allowing cooling and solidification. This phase transition approach enables efficient recycling and manufacturing from waste materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 system effectively extends the service life of wood pallets, reducing maintenance and environmental impact while maintaining load-bearing capacity and preventing damage from weather exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a melting component, and an extruder component. The wrap or wrap component comprises a plurality of portions hingedly attached to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS11794951B2Pallet repair system and methods for manufacture

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 GORDON NORMAN H

AI summary

A pallet wrap system and manufacture for repair of wood pallets that extends the service life of wood pallets to reduce associated costs, environmental concerns, and workplace injuries. The wrap or wrap component comprises a plurality of portions hingedly attached to one another and configured to surround or cover a portion of a pallet. The wrap component may be manufactured using recycled material, such as paper, aluminum, or plastic, and may further include a chemical for properties such as elasticity, adhesion, and bonding grip. The wrap component may further be folded to such that it can be erected from a flattened state to form a display unit for products. The wrap may include printed information content such as advertising/marketing content, or manufacturer's or shipper's information, identification or logo to make sure that only that business' product is shipped or used with the identified pallet.