Structural Block Assembly with Interlocking Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic pallets lack sufficient durability and resistance to forces from loads and handling equipment like forklifts, leading to potential breakage and increased shipping costs due to frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing assembly with a two-part block design featuring male and female fittings that absorb impact through flexible projections and channels, allowing for deformation without fracturing, and hot plate welding for secure attachment, optimizing material usage and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional plastic pallets are used, then material usage is reduced and weight is lowered, but durability and resistance to handling forces are insufficient leading to frequent breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into multiple blocks that are interconnected through fittings. Each block can independently absorb impact forces through its flexible projections, preventing force concentration that would cause catastrophic failure. The segmentation allows the structure to maintain integrity even when individual blocks experience stress.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible projections are integrated into the block design to absorb impact forces from forklifts and handling equipment. These flexible elements deform under impact and return to their original shape, dissipating energy without causing structural failure. This flexibility is built into the rigid plastic structure to prevent brittle fracture.
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 assembly provides enhanced strength and durability, reducing the likelihood of breakage under load and handling forces while minimizing material usage and weight, thus lowering shipping costs and extending the pallet's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
hot plate welding for secure attachment
Implementation Method 2
flexible projections and channels, allowing for deformation without fracturing
Data Source
AI summary
A block assembly for connecting a first section and a second section of a load bearing assembly includes a male fitting and a female fitting. The male fitting includes a male fitting body and a projection extending from the male fitting body. The female fitting includes a female fitting body and defines a fitting cavity extending within an interior of the female fitting body. The male fitting couples with the female fitting by inserting the male fitting body within the fitting cavity and moving the male fitting body toward a base of the female fitting. The projection on the male fitting interacts with an interlocking joint on the female fitting to resist detachment of the male fitting with respect to the female fitting.