Rotating Plate Load Separator for Safe Pallet Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for separating loads from pallets are complex, bulky, and prone to cause load damage or falling, with limited mobility and integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact, mobile device with plate elements that can rotate and lift loads from pallets, featuring actuators and side walls for secure clamping and controlled insertion, allowing easy movement and preservation of load integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If known devices for separating loads from pallets are used, then separation function is achieved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent plate elements (3, 5) that can be individually inserted and controlled. Each plate element acts as a separate functional unit that can be inserted between the load and pallet, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining separation functionality through distributed action rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be inserted, positioned, and removed dynamically. The plates can move between a retracted position and an inserted position, enabling the device to adapt to different load sizes and separation requirements, thereby reducing complexity compared to fixed bulky structures.
2Ease of operation
If mobile separation devices are used, then mobility is improved, but transverse bulk increases causing movement limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The plate elements are designed to move primarily in the vertical dimension (insertion depth) rather than requiring large transverse movement. By inserting plates vertically between load and pallet, the device achieves separation functionality without requiring large horizontal clearance, enabling mobility in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
When not in use, the plate elements can be retracted and nested within the device structure, minimizing transverse bulk. The plates are stored in a compact configuration that reduces the device's footprint, allowing easy movement through narrow aisles and corridors while maintaining full separation capability when needed.
3Reliability
If known separation devices are used, then separation is achieved, but risk of load falling and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate elements are designed to be inserted gradually and controlled during the separation process, providing progressive support to the load. This gradual insertion allows the load to be supported at each stage, preventing sudden shifts or falls, while the simple plate structure maintains low device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different plate elements can be inserted at different locations and depths based on local load characteristics. This localized approach allows targeted support where needed, ensuring load stability during separation without requiring a complex universal mechanism, thereby maintaining both safety and simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for separating a load (L) from a pallet (P) includes a set of plate elements (3, 5) operated by respective insertion elements (7) for insinuation between the load (L) and a surface of the pallet (P) and operated by respective lifting elements (9) to separate the load (L) from the pallet (P). Right (13) and left (15) mutually parallel side walls are arranged vertically and include a rotation element (11) for each plate element (3, 5) for rotating and orienting the plate elements (3, 5) with respect to the surface of the pallet, with the set of plate elements (3, 5) including a right plate-like element (3) and a left plate-like element (5) each sliding in a respective swivel and slide element (19) of the rotation element (11).