Swingable Support Members for Pallet Height Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet replacement machines face challenges when replacing pallets of different heights, as the sliding of a taller replacing pallet is prevented by the lower edge of the load, and heavy loads can cause excessive friction leading to blockages or damage, especially with unboxed or fragile loads.
Innovation Solution
A device with swingable support members that can adjust to accommodate pallets of varying heights, allowing the original pallet to be kept partially raised and enabling smooth sliding of a replacing pallet of greater height by rotating the support members out of the way, reducing friction and preventing jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a replacing pallet of greater height is used to replace a shorter pallet, then the replacement capability is improved, but the sliding of the replacing pallet under the load is prevented by the front edge matching against the lower edge of the load
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead element is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be raised to a higher position to create sufficient vertical clearance for taller replacing pallets to slide under the load without being blocked by the load's lower edge. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between accommodating different pallet heights and maintaining smooth sliding operation.
2Strength
If lateral pressers with lifters are added to stabilize and lift heavy loads, then the handling of heavy loads is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex lateral presser and lifter mechanisms from the system, instead relying on the fundamental sliding mechanism combined with properly positioned bulkhead elements to handle heavy loads. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to handle heavy loads through the simplified but effective sliding design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If lateral pressures are applied to unboxed loads or fragile loads, then the stabilization is improved, but the load may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates lateral pressers that apply lateral pressures to loads, instead using vertically oriented bulkhead elements that provide stabilization through vertical containment rather than lateral compression. This extraction of lateral pressing mechanisms prevents damage to unboxed and fragile loads while maintaining load stability during the replacement operation.
4Device complexity
If the bulkhead element is fixed at a low position, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the replacement of taller pallets is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead element is designed to be movable and adjustable in height rather than fixed, allowing it to be raised to accommodate taller replacing pallets. This dynamic design provides adaptability for different pallet heights while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through basic lifting and positioning mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient and damage-free replacement of pallets of varying heights and sizes, including unboxed or fragile loads, without active push elements, and is applicable to existing machines, reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
said device comprising two plurality of support members 5 each 5 constrained to swing on the slide member 3 between a protruding condition S in which they are perpendicular to the sliding direction T and protruding above the first surface PS of the slide member 3 and a retracted condition R in which they are parallel to the sliding direction T and do not occupy the slide member 3 first surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for replacing a pallet to be replaced and supporting a load with a replacing pallet with the possibility of keeping this pallet raised, comprises a portal element (15) placed transversely at a median portion of a slide member (3) and carrying a bulkhead element (19) transverse to the slide member (3) and raised or raiseable with respect to the latter forming a window (11) for the passage of the pallet to be replaced (P). The slide member (3) is horizontal, is assigned for sliding the pallets in a longitudinal sliding direction (T) and has a first surface (PS) for the load supported by the pallet. Said device (1) also comprises a plurality of support members (5), one end of each of which (5) is rotatably constrained to a respective rotation pin (7) perpendicularly fixed to said slide member (3) where such rotation pins (7) of the support members (5) are distributed on two respective geometric lines or bands parallel to the sliding direction (T) and placed one to, or on, one side of the first surface (PS) and the other placed to or on the opposite side of the first surface. Each support member (5) is elongated and can swing around the respective rotation pin at least between a protruding condition (S) in which it is perpendicular to the sliding direction (T) and protrudes above the first surface (PS) of the slide member (3) and a retracted condition (R) in which it is parallel to the sliding direction (T) and does not occupy said first surface (PS).