Segmented Pallet System with Sleeve Connectors for Tight Aisles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large pallets used for product transfer are often too big to fit through doors and aisles in small format stores, requiring products to be transferred to smaller systems like roll-trainers for navigation.

Innovation Solution

A product transfer system comprising two small format base members, such as pallets or dollies, connected by three-walled sleeves and additional connectors like bars or netting for stability during transport, allowing the system to be broken down into smaller units that can fit through tight spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a large pallet is used for product transfer, then the carrying capacity is improved, but the ability to fit through doors and aisles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying capacityVSAvoidpallet size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The large pallet system is segmented into multiple smaller base members (e.g., two 24x48 inch base members instead of one 48x96 inch pallet). Each base member carries its own sleeve, and the sleeves are connected during transport to distribute the load. This segmentation allows the system to fit through standard doors and aisles while maintaining the carrying capacity of the original large pallet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If a large pallet is used for product transfer, then the carrying capacity is improved, but the maneuverability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying capacityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the load into multiple smaller base members, each unit becomes easier to maneuver independently through tight spaces. The segmented units can navigate aisles and doorways that would be inaccessible to a single large pallet, while still transporting the same total quantity of products when connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of moving object

If multiple small base members are used instead of one large pallet, then the ability to fit through doors and aisles is improved, but the stability during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase member sizeVSAvoidtransport stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

While the base members remain separate for maneuverability, the sleeves supporting the products are connected using connectors (such as bars or netting) during transport. This merging of the sleeve structures maintains stability and prevents product shift, while the base members themselves remain independent for easy navigation through tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240391642A1Product transfer system

Publication Date: 2024.11.28 ORBIS CORP

AI summary

A product transfer system including a first base member, such as a pallet or dolly, supporting a first sleeve having a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, and a second base member supporting a second sleeve having a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A first connector, such as a bar or netting, can connect the first sleeve to the second sleeve to provide stability to the system. Netting can also be used to span the front of the sleeve from side wall to side wall. A top cap can be placed on top of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve.