Self-Centering Pallet With Multiple Variable-Diameter Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-centering pallets have a relatively small storage capacity due to the presence of a single retaining pocket.
Innovation Solution
The self-centering pallet features multiple retaining pockets with adjustable diameters, facilitated by a rotating intermediate drive plate and cranks, allowing for enhanced storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single retaining pocket is used in the self-centering pallet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into multiple retaining pockets (at least two) instead of a single pocket, allowing simultaneous storage of multiple products. Each pocket is equipped with its own retaining rod and guide slot, enabling independent product retention while maintaining the self-centering mechanism for each position
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate drive plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support for multiple retaining rods, provides guide slots for each pocket's retaining rod, and functions as the rotating element that enables self-centering for all pockets simultaneously. This multi-functionality increases storage capacity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Quantity of substance
If multiple retaining pockets are added to increase storage capacity, then the storage capacity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retaining rods are merged onto a single intermediate drive plate, which rotates as one unit. The guide slots for all pockets are integrated into this single plate, allowing synchronized movement and self-centering action for all retaining rods simultaneously, thereby managing complexity through consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining rods are arranged in a radial pattern around the vertical axis of the pallet, utilizing the radial dimension to maximize storage capacity. The intermediate drive plate rotates about this vertical axis, enabling all pockets to self-center simultaneously through rotational motion in the horizontal plane
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retaining pocket diameter is fixed, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to products with varying diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining rod can move vertically along the curvilinear guide slot of the upper guide plate, dynamically adjusting the diameter of the retaining pocket. This vertical displacement allows the pocket to adapt to different product diameters while the curvilinear path ensures precise self-centering positioning for each product size
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter of the retaining pocket is changed by displacing the retaining rod along the guide slot, which alters the effective radius of the pocket. This parameter change enables the same pocket structure to accommodate products with varying diameters while maintaining accurate centering through the curvilinear guide path
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 solution provides a self-centering pallet with increased storage capacity, enabling efficient handling and positioning of products with varying diameters.
Implementation Method 1
The upper guide plate is provided with at least three guide slots, which are uniformly distributed around a substantially vertical longitudinal axis of the upper guide plate and have a curvilinear shape
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of cranks, which are equal in number to the number of the guide slots, are uniformly distributed around the longitudinal axis of the upper guide plate and are hinged to the lower support plate for rotating around respective fulcrum axes parallel to the longitudinal axis itself
Implementation Method 3
Each crank supports, at a free end thereof, a retaining rod, which extends upwards from the crank parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper guide plate, and slidingly engages a respective guide slot
Implementation Method 4
an intermediate drive plate mounted between the cranks and the upper guide plate for rotating, with respect to the upper guide plate and the lower support plate, about the longitudinal axis of the upper guide plate
Implementation Method 5
The retaining rods are displaced in unison with each other along the relative guide slots so as to define a retaining pocket with variable diameter which is configured to receive and correctly position on the upper guide plate at least one product
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-centering pallet has an upper guide plate (2) provided with at least three guide slots (5) distributed around a longitudinal axis (4) of the upper guide plate (2) itself; a movable retaining rod (8) slidingly engaged in each guide slot (5); and, for each movable retaining rod (8), a respective pair of fixed retaining rods (9), which are mounted along the periphery of the upper guide plate (2), and define, together with the respective movable retaining rod (8), a retaining pocket (10) configured to receive and accommodate at least one product (11).