Retractable Stop with Frictional Element for Container Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport structures, such as pallets and dollies, face challenges in preventing movement of larger or oversized containers due to the retraction of pop-up stops under the weight of these containers, leading to unwanted movement during transport.
Innovation Solution
A retractable stop with a frictional element integrated into its top surface, utilizing leaf spring elements and a frictional material like rubber or cork, which extends above the support surface to prevent slippage, even when larger containers are placed on smaller pallets or dollies, ensuring stability and containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If retractable stops are used to contain smaller containers, then movement prevention is effective for small containers, but the stops retract under the weight of larger containers allowing unwanted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two previously separate functions into a single integrated stop structure: (1) the mechanical stopping function provided by the retractable stop body, and (2) the friction-based movement prevention function provided by the frictional element. This merged structure maintains adaptability to different container sizes while ensuring reliable movement prevention through the combined mechanical blocking and frictional resistance, even when larger containers cause the stop to retract.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating a frictional element (made of rubber, cork, or thermoplastic elastomer) with the rigid stop body (typically plastic or metal). This composite structure allows the stop to provide both mechanical support and friction-based grip, enabling it to effectively contain various sized containers without complete retraction under load.
2Reliability
If hard stops are used to prevent container movement, then movement prevention is effective, but they cannot adapt to larger containers that force retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stop structure adjustable and responsive to load conditions. The frictional element is positioned to be exposed when the stop is in its extended position, providing enhanced friction-based prevention. When larger containers cause retraction, the frictional element remains effective at preventing unwanted movement, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to different container sizes while maintaining reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If frictional elements alone are used to prevent movement, then they provide friction-based stability, but they lack the mechanical stopping power for larger containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the friction-based stability function with the mechanical stopping force function in a single integrated structure. The frictional element provides continuous friction-based stability, while the retractable stop body provides additional mechanical stopping force when extended, creating a combined system that addresses both requirements simultaneously.
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 combination of a retractable stop with a frictional element effectively inhibits the movement of various sized containers, providing enhanced stability and preventing slippage, especially when larger containers are transported using smaller footprint pallets or dollies.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional element secured to a portion of the first retractable stop... The frictional element can be formed from rubber or cork or other friction generating material
Implementation Method 2
The stop includes a first spring element and a second spring element. The spring elements are leaf springs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A transport structure, such as a pallet or dolly, having a plurality of retractable stops with frictional elements is provided. The frictional elements are exposed when the retractable stop is in a retracted position.