Removable Elastomer Footpads for Plastic Pallets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic pallets experience damage due to frictional heat generated from slippage between chain conveyor systems and the pallets, exacerbated by the lack of a standard spacing between conveyor chains.
Innovation Solution
A plastic pallet system featuring removable elastomer footpads, which are securely positioned in pockets on the pallet's bottom deck, providing a friction fit or press fit to reduce slippage and absorb chain conveyor variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If plastic pallets are used on chain conveyor systems, then freight transport efficiency is improved, but frictional heat damage occurs due to slippage between chains and pallets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the footpad or gripping mechanism) between the chain conveyor and the plastic pallet. This intermediary component increases the friction interface area and reduces slippage, thereby minimizing frictional heat generation while maintaining efficient freight transport on chain conveyors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures, combining plastic pallet bodies with complementary gripping mechanisms or footpads made of different materials (such as rubber, foam, or textured polymers). This composite approach optimizes both the structural integrity of the pallet and its interaction with the conveyor chains, reducing slippage and associated thermal damage
2Device complexity
If fixed spacing between conveyor chains is used, then pallet design is simplified, but adaptability to different conveyor configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic or adjustable gripping mechanisms on the pallet that can adapt to different chain spacings. This may include movable footpads, expandable gripping structures, or flexible materials that can conform to varying conveyor configurations, allowing the same pallet design to work across multiple conveyor types without requiring complex redesigns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal pallet structures with multi-functional gripping features that can accommodate various conveyor chain spacings. The pallet incorporates adjustable or flexible elements that enable it to function effectively on different conveyor configurations, eliminating the need for specialized pallet designs for each conveyor type
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 reduces the risk of damage to plastic pallets by minimizing frictional heat and accommodating different chain conveyor configurations, ensuring reliable freight transport.
Implementation Method 1
slippage between chains of the chain conveyor and the plastic pallets can generate frictional heat leading to damage
Implementation Method 2
a pad, formed of an elastomer, having complementary shape to the pocket and configured to be removably secured within the pocket
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a transport system (100), including: a pallet (110), formed from plastic, wherein the pallet extends heightwise from a pallet top deck (130) to a pallet bottom deck (140) to define a pallet height, lengthwise from a pallet forward end (160) to a pallet aft end (170) to define a pallet length, and widthwise from a pallet first side (190) to a pallet second side (200) to define a pallet width, wherein the pallet bottom deck defines a pocket (210), the pocket defines a pocket sidewall that extends heightwise into the pallet, from the pallet bottom deck to a pocket base to define a pocket height; and a pad (240), formed of an elastomer, having complementary shape to the pocket and configured to be removably secured within the pocket, to define a pallet foot.