Transport Platform Adapter Elements Snap-Fit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport platforms, such as dollies and pallets, face challenges in providing secure lateral support for loads, are time-consuming and costly to assemble, and prone to damage from obstacles due to complex assembly mechanisms and weak connections.
Innovation Solution
A transport platform with adapter elements featuring snap-fitted legs and openings on the deck for quick assembly, providing sturdy lateral support and easy detachment, allowing for cost-effective production and flexibility in accommodating different load sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If corner elements are moved within longitudinal grooves and fixed via lateral clamping bolts, then the frame can be adjusted for supporting containers of different sizes, but assembling the corner elements is time consuming and thus expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The corner element is divided into a main body and a separate adjustable insert. The insert can be independently positioned within the main body to adjust the effective size of the corner element, allowing adaptation to different container sizes without requiring time-consuming bolting operations. The insert features a complementary shape that fits into a recess in the main body, enabling quick reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner element incorporates a movable or reconfigurable component that allows the effective dimensions to be changed dynamically. The insert can be shifted to different positions within the main body or rotated to change the orientation of the support surfaces, providing adaptability without permanent modifications or complex fastening mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If lateral support is provided by thin, bendable restrainers, then assembly is easier, but the restrainers are prone to slipping out if not fully screwed and can be damaged easily by lateral loads
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforcing element acts as an intermediary between the restrainer and the deck. This intermediary component distributes the lateral loads across a larger area and provides additional support to the restrainer, preventing it from slipping out or being damaged. The reinforcing element may be a thicker flange or a separate support structure that the restrainer attaches to, sharing the mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The restrainer assembly uses composite construction, combining a thin, flexible restrainer component with a thicker, more rigid support element. The restrainer provides the lateral support function while the reinforcing element provides structural integrity and resistance to lateral loads. This composite approach allows the restrainer to remain easy to assemble while gaining the reliability of a stronger connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If restrainers are removably attached to provide lateral support, then assembly is flexible, but the connection can be pried or levered out and damaged easily when lateral load becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The restrainer is nested within a recess or channel in the deck, with a portion of the restrainer extending beyond the deck surface. This nested configuration allows the restrainer to be securely held in place while maintaining removable attachment. The recess provides mechanical interlocking that prevents prying out, while the exposed portion allows for easy insertion and removal. The nested design distributes loads along the interface between the restrainer and deck.
4Productivity
If adapter elements have legs with engagement portions for snap-fitting into openings, then assembly is quick and simple, but the connection must withstand lateral forces from loads
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portion of the leg is designed to extend not only vertically into the opening but also laterally within the opening. This multi-dimensional engagement increases the surface area of contact and distributes lateral forces across multiple points within the opening. The engagement portion may have a T-shaped or L-shaped cross-section that provides both vertical insertion capability and lateral force resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg is pre-formed with an engagement portion that is elastically deformable. During assembly, the leg is inserted into the opening in its deformed state, and upon full insertion, it elastically recovers to lock into place. This preliminary deformation and subsequent recovery creates a strong mechanical interlock that can withstand lateral forces while maintaining quick assembly. The elastic recovery action provides a audible or tactile confirmation of proper engagement.
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 enables rapid, secure, and cost-effective assembly of transport platforms that can securely support loads, withstand lateral forces, and minimize damage from obstacles, while allowing for easy reuse and adaptability to various load sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one adapter element is provided with one or more legs, each comprising an engagement portion, preferably a tab or a protrusion, for being received and snap-fitted into a corresponding opening in the deck
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter element and a transport platform, such as a dolly (1), including at least one such adapter element (5), said at least one adapter element (5) being connected or connectable to the dolly (1) and having a rim portion (6) protruding from a deck (2) of the dolly (1) for restraining loads placed on top of the deck (2) at least in a lateral direction, wherein the at least one adapter element (5) is provided with one or more legs (8, 12; 8, 12, 17,.18) each comprising an engagement portion (9, 13; 9;13, 19, 20), preferably tabs or protrusions, for being received and snap-fitted into a corresponding opening (10, 15) provided in the deck (2). An outer leg (12) of the one or more legs (8, 12; 8, 12, 17, 18) is formed as a tab or tongue having a through hole (13) which serves as an engagement portion of the outer leg (12).