Universal Carrier Pallet with Adjustable End Zones for Vehicle Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional car transport pallets are not adjustable to accommodate vehicles of varying sizes, leading to increased costs and complexity in storage and management due to the need for multiple pallets, and they often obstruct the central space, reducing efficient nesting and loading capacity.
Innovation Solution
A universal, non-motorized carrier pallet with a frame design featuring adjustable end support zones and a free central space, allowing it to adapt to different wheelbases, tracks, and diameters without adjustments, and incorporating a strapping system for secure loading, while optimizing nesting and reducing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-structure pallets are used, then they provide stable support for a specific car size, but they cannot adapt to different car sizes (wheelbase, track, wheel diameter) requiring multiple pallet models
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet employs a dynamic, adjustable support structure where the transverse element can be positioned at multiple locations along the longitudinal beams. This allows the pallet to adapt its configuration to different car wheelbases, tracks, and wheel diameters, replacing the need for multiple fixed-structure pallet models with a single versatile, adjustable pallet design
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet is designed as a universal platform with longitudinal beams and adjustable transverse elements that can accommodate various car types (small cars with 530mm wheels, large vehicles with 800mm wheels, and all intermediate configurations). A single pallet design serves multiple functions across different car models, eliminating the need to maintain separate pallet inventories for different vehicle sizes
2Productivity
If conventional pallets with central control mechanisms are used, then they provide fastening capability, but they obstruct the central space reducing nesting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system (straps and control mechanisms) has been extracted from the central area of the pallet and relocated to the periphery or integrated into the longitudinal beams at the ends. This removal of central obstructions allows cars to be nested efficiently in the central space while the fastening components remain accessible at the edges for securing the load during transport
3Ease of operation
If motorized platforms are used for loading optimization, then they enable automated positioning and tilting, but they increase device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet design relies on the inherent movement capacities of the cars themselves (taxing systems, drive wheels) to achieve positioning and loading optimization. The pallet provides the stable, adaptable support structure, while the car's own mechanical systems perform the positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate motorized platforms and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The load-bearing-palette (3) includes: - two side frames (9); - crosspieces (18, 19, 20); - two end support areas (24, 26) for supporting car wheels; and - a free central space (28). The first area (24) includes: - a wheel support (33), acting as an abutment for the first set of wheels; - a transverse element (30), connecting both side frames and comprising two oblique arms (31) joined by a central portion (32) directed towards the end (25) of the palette; - a recess (35) that is located between the wheel support and the transverse element, has a width continually decreasing from the side frames to the central portion, and wherein the first set of wheels sinks down, regardless of the wheelbase type and the track width of the car. The second area (26) includes: - decking (36), the dimensions of which are sufficient to support the second set of wheels, regardless of the wheelbase type and the track width of the car.