Universal Plastic Pallet for Cylindrical Kegs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pallet designs require multiple pallets tailored to specific keg sizes for efficient storage and transport, leading to increased logistical complexity and costs due to the need for different keg diameters and heights.

Innovation Solution

A universal plastic pallet design featuring upwardly protruding supporting projections arranged in specific groupings to accommodate kegs of three different diameter sizes, allowing for the support of various keg sizes on a single pallet, thereby reducing logistical outlay and production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pallets tailored to specific keg sizes are used, then efficient storage and transport of different keg sizes is achieved, but logistical complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different keg sizesVSAvoidlogistical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pallet is designed with a universal support surface that can accommodate multiple keg diameter sizes (210-400mm) using a single pallet type. The support surface includes adjustable or varied supporting projections that adapt to different keg dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pallet sizes and reducing logistical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support surface is divided into multiple zones with different supporting projection configurations, allowing each zone to be optimized for specific keg diameter ranges. This segmentation enables a single pallet to handle various keg sizes by selecting appropriate support zones, rather than requiring entirely different pallet designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pallets tailored to specific keg sizes are used, then efficient storage and transport of different keg sizes is achieved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different keg sizesVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single universal pallet that can handle all keg sizes through its adaptable support surface, the manufacturer produces only one pallet type rather than multiple size-specific pallets. This reduces production costs through economies of scale, standardized manufacturing processes, and simplified inventory management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single universal pallet design is used, then logistical outlay is reduced, but the ability to support different keg sizes effectively may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogistical outlayVSAvoidstable storage of kegs

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support surface incorporates locally optimized supporting projections in different zones, where each zone has specific projection heights, spacings, and configurations tailored to particular keg diameter ranges. This ensures that regardless of which keg size is placed on the pallet, the local support structure provides stable and appropriate support for that specific keg dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11485541B2Plastic pallet for holding substantially cylindrical kegs

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 SCHOELLER ALLIBERT GMBH

AI summary

In the case of a pallet made of plastic for holding substantially cylindrical kegs with a pallet support surface for the keg holder, which comprises upwardly protruding supporting projections for supporting the kegs placed on the support surface, the supporting projections are configured and arranged on the support surface such that kegs with different keg diameter sizes can be supported by these supporting projections.