NL2021171B1 - Method for testing integrity of pallet - Google Patents
Method for testing integrity of pallet Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2021171B1 NL2021171B1 NL2021171A NL2021171A NL2021171B1 NL 2021171 B1 NL2021171 B1 NL 2021171B1 NL 2021171 A NL2021171 A NL 2021171A NL 2021171 A NL2021171 A NL 2021171A NL 2021171 B1 NL2021171 B1 NL 2021171B1
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- Prior art keywords
- pallet
- bearing surface
- vibration
- load bearing
- vibration response
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 title description 13
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 68
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
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- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 claims description 4
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
- G01L5/04—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands
- G01L5/042—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands by measuring vibrational characteristics of the flexible member
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M7/00—Vibration-testing of structures; Shock-testing of structures
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Pallets (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of determining damage in a pallet, or like platform, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered, the pallet comprising a unitary load supporting surface, the method comprising the steps of; - exciting the unitary load supporting surface to cause the unitary load supporting surface to vibrate, - monitoring a vibrational response ofthe unitary load supporting surface.
Description
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a method of determining damage in a pallet, or like platform, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered, the pallet comprising a unitary load supporting surface.
Background art
The pallet is subject of many different use cases. Despite the robustness of a pallet, sometimes damage to the pallet occurs. A damaged pallet is often not suitable any more to be used in a logistic system. The mechanical integrity of a pallet is paramount because safety cannot be compromised.
EP 0 823 629 B1 relates to a process for the automatic recognition and categorization of defects in pallets or similar elements, and to a system which operates using this process.
EP 0 823 629 B1 teach to perform the steps of taking with video cameras a plurality of images from one side of the pallet and then after turning it over, from the other side of same, so as to determine the outline of the pallet, to obtain the external dimensions of same, the width and height of the spaces between its studs and the height of the apertures of the pallet, and to pinpoint the defects, the so captured images being digitized and sent to a computer for further processing.
Image processing, like in EP 0 823 629 B1, is an indirect way to observe damage of a pallet because there is always an interpretation step of an image. In addition, it requires a lot of memory for data and processing capacity.
Summary of the invention
The object of the current invention is to provide a more efficient method of determining damage in a pallet. Efficiency includes e.g. execution time, extensiveness of the measuring arrangement, required amount of data processing, reliability of detection.
The current invention has a further object to provide a method of determining damage in a pallet, wherein a problem in a known such method is at least partly solved.
The current invention has also as its object to provide an alternative method of determining damage in a pallet.
The present invention therefore provides a method of determining damage in a pallet, or like platform, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered, the pallet comprising a unitary load supporting surface, the method comprising the steps of;
exciting the unitary load supporting surface to cause the unitary load supporting surface to vibrate, monitoring a vibrational response of the unitary load supporting surface.
In connection with determining damage in a pallet, a vibrational response of a unitary load supporting surface of a pallet, more general a vibrational response of the pallet, proves to be a reliable criterion. The method results in approval or disapproval of a pallet. The vibrational response of a pallet, or also “acoustic fingerprint” proved to be a reliable indicator of mechanical integrity of a pallet. The vibrational response of a pallet, is even more a reliable indicator if the pallet is excited in a standardized way like subjecting the pallet to a standard impact. If during use the pallet is damaged, the pallet will have a different “acoustic fingerprint” if tested again. In the application, in connection with vibrational response of the pallet, reference is mainly made to the unitary load supporting surface of the pallet, since that is a dominant factor in this respect. It will be clear that the skid, blocks, number of blocks, and arrangement of blocks will also have their effect on the vibrational response of the pallet.
The load supporting surface being a unitary load supporting surface has to be understood as follows. The unitary load supporting surface vibrates in a vibration modus or modi and vibrates as a unit. A vibration modus refers to a vibrating entity, in this case the unitary load supporting surface. The unitary load supporting surface can be a so called monodeck. Such a monodeck will have predefined vibration modes and associated eigenfrequecies when the monodeck vibrates as a unity. However, it will be clearthat the deck may also be a composite deck having juxta positioned deck portions. Further, it is conceivable that the unitary load supporting surface has a discontinuity like for example a hole. As long as it is clear that the unitary load supporting surface can vibrate as a unity according to a vibration modus, or a number of vibration modi.
In an embodiment, the method of determining damage in a pallet comprises the step of comparing the monitored vibrational response with a reference vibrational response and determining an accept or reject status of the pallet. Based on the comparison, a deviation can be determined. If the deviation exceeds a defined disapprove limit, the pallet will be disapproved.
The reference vibrational response may comprise a previously monitored vibrational response of the identified pallet, in particular an initial vibrational response of the identified pallet in undamaged condition.
The reference vibrational response can be stored and available “on board” of the pallet in particular when the pallet is a smart pallet that is capable of monitoring itself in a number of different contexts and capable to connect to a data network. It will be clear that the reference vibrational response can be stored on on-board available memory or made available “on board” through the data network.
In an embodiment, the method of determining damage in a pallet comprises the step of comparing respective monitored vibrational responses of a number of respective pallets. This enables to detect deviations in the manufacturing process of the pallets.
In an embodiment, the method of determining damage in a pallet comprises the step of repeating the step of monitoring a vibrational response of the load supporting surface after a period of use of the pallet. The monitoring of a vibrational response can be performed at any desired location by any user of the pallet. This way the monitored vibrational response can be compared with a previously monitored vibrational response of the identified pallet.
In an embodiment, the method of determining damage in a pallet comprises, based on the monitored vibrational response of the load supporting surface, determining one or more parameters selected from; a power spectral density (PSD) of the vibrational response of the load supporting surface, a resonant frequency of the load supporting surface, in particular a number of resonant frequencies of the load supporting surface, attenuation, and Eigen shapes.
In general it is known that the dynamic properties of structures can be described with the aid of Eigen frequencies, attenuation and Eigen shapes. When suitably measured, analysed and classified, these properties can quickly determine quality for pass/fail selection of manufactured components. Using resonant frequency of the load supporting surface to determine damage in a pallet is advantageous. The reason is that resonant frequency or also Eigen frequency is a system property of the pallet. Therefore, using Eigen frequency is less sensitive for deviations in the way the unitary load supporting surface is excited to cause the unitary load supporting surface to vibrate.
In an embodiment of the method of determining damage in a pallet, the step of exciting the load supporting surface to cause the load supporting surface to vibrate comprises providing a random signal generator for producing a reference source signal comprising known statistical properties. The reference source signal has a predefined PSD. In particular the reference source signal has a predefined PSD similar to that of pink noise or white noise. It will be clear that it can be beneficial to excite the load supporting surface in a predefined way in order to distinguish between pallets.
In an embodiment of the method of determining damage in a pallet, the random signal generator is integrated in a handheld device, in particular a mobile phone. This enables any user to perform the monitoring of a vibrational response at any desired location.
In an embodiment of the method of determining damage in a pallet, the step monitoring a vibrational response of the unitary load supporting surface, and in particular estimating a power spectral density (PSD) of the vibration behaviour of the load supporting surface comprises providing a vibration sensing device. The vibration sensing device can be part of a permanent test system like for an end of line test. It is also conceivable that the vibration sensing device is mobile and be operationally coupled with the said handheld device, in particular a mobile phone. This enables any user to perform the monitoring of a vibrational response at any desired location. It is also possible to use an “on board” vibration sensing device, that is an vibration sensing device integrated with the pallet. In that case, a test system or handheld device operationally couples to the vibration sensing device integrated with the pallet.
In an embodiment of the method of determining damage in a pallet, the vibration sensing device comprises a vibration sensor in direct contact with the pallet, in particular the load supporting surface of the pallet. The vibration sensor can contact the top side of the load supporting surface of the pallet which top side is open and easy accessible. It is also conceivable to contact the down side of the load supporting surface of the pallet, in particular when an “on board” vibration sensing device is used.
It will be clear that any suitable vibration sensor is conceivable. In an embodiment of the method of determining damage in a pallet, the vibration sensing device comprises a piezo element for converting a mechanical vibration into an electric signal. However any suitable accelerometer, vibrometer, mems is conceivable.
In an embodiment, the method of determining damage in a pallet comprises a step of weighing the pallet. This additional step of weighing the pallets makes the method of determining damage in a pallet even more reliable since for example a missing block will have a detectable effect to the weight of the pallet.
In an embodiment, the method of determining damage in a pallet comprises;
monitoring a health index or quality of a pallet, based on the vibrational response and at least one of the following parameters; load on the pallet, movement of or impact on the pallet, temperature, humidity, light conditions, UV radiation, CO2 concentration, presence of hazardous gas, and comparing the health index with a reference and determine a pallet reject status.
Basing a reject status on one or more additional parameters, makes the method of determining a reject or accept status even more reliable.
In an embodiment, the method of determining damage in a pallet comprises providing a signalling element on the pallet and signalling of at least a reject status to a user of the pallet. This facilitates rejection of a disapproved pallet in an industrial environment based on a direct observation of a user.
The present invention therefore provides a system for determining damage in a pallet, or like platform, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered, the pallet comprising a unitary load supporting surface, the system comprising;
an exciting device, in particular comprising a transducer, to cause the load supporting surface to vibrate, a monitoring device to monitor a vibrational response of the load supporting surface, and in particular, a data storage device comprising a look up table with pallet identification data and associated vibrational response data of a number of pallets.
The present invention therefore provides a pallet suitable to be determined by the system for determining damage in a pallet. This suitability can e.g. relate to defined contact surfaces to contact the vibration sensing device.
Brief description of the drawings
The features and advantages of the invention will be appreciated upon reference to the following drawings of a number of exemplary embodiments, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic drawing in side view of a first system according to the invention for determining damage in a pallet;
Figure 2 is a schematic drawing in side view of a second embodiment of a system for determining damage in a pallet;
Figure 3 shows in perspective view a pallet suitable to be inspected for damage using the systems of Figure 1 or 2;
Figure 4 shows a detail of the pallet of Figure 3 in partially cut-away view;
Figure 5A gives a schematic overview of the architecture of an electronic tag 60 of the pallet of fig. 3 and 4;
Figure 5B shows a schematic view of a pallet logistic system; and
Figure 6 shows spectra of an accepted pallet and a rejected pallet.
Description of embodiments
Figure 1 is a schematic drawing in side view of a first test system 18 according to the invention for determining damage in a pallet 1, in short the system 18.
The system 18 comprise an exciting device 7a, also referred to as acoustic sound source 7a, or transducer. The exciting device 7a causes the load supporting surface 10 of the pallet 1 to vibrate. The load supporting surface 10 of the pallet 1 is also referred to as the deck 10 of the pallet 1.
The system 18 comprises a monitoring device 5d to monitor a vibrational response of the load supporting surface 10. The monitoring device is also referred to as an acoustic sound detection unit 5d.
The system 18 comprises or has access to a data storage device. The data storage device comprises a look up table with pallet identification data and associated vibrational response data of a number of pallets. It will clear that the data storage device can be standalone or can be integrated with a processing unit 3 that is suitable to perform spectrum analysis.
The test system 18 has an acoustic sound source 7a to excite the pallet 1. The acoustic sound source 7a excites in particular the deck 10 the pallet I.The frequency range of the acoustic sound source 7a corresponds to the expected vibration spectrum of a typical pallet. The frequency range of the acoustic sound source 7a is here from tens of Hz up to a few kHz. The acoustic sound source 7a is configured or configurable to provide a random signal for producing a reference source signal comprising known statistical properties. In other words, the deck 10 is excited in a predictable way with a reference source signal that has a predefined PSD. Examples of signals with a predefined PSD’s are pink noise and white noise.
The acoustic sound source 7a is coupled to an excitation means 7b, that in this case comprises a piezo element. The acoustic sound source 7a is coupled to the excitation means 7b through a suitable connection 8e. The excitations means 7b is in direct contact with the pallet 1. The excitations means 7b is in direct contact with the deck 10 of the pallet 1, here the top surface of the deck 10 of the pallet 1. The deck 10 of the pallet 1 is a unitary load supporting surface that can vibrate as a unity. An example of a vibration mode 9 of the deck 10 is shown with a dotted line. The test system 18 has a vibration sensing device referred to as an acoustic sound detection unit 5d to receive acoustic waves 6 transmitted by the pallet 1 and thus monitor the vibrational response of the deck 10 that forms a unitary load supporting surface. The acoustic sound detection unit 5d may comprise a piezo element for converting a mechanical vibration into an electric signal. However, any suitable vibration sensing device will suffice. Here, acoustic sound detection unit 5d is configured for non-contact monitoring the load supporting surface 10 of the pallet 1.
The acoustic sound detection unit 5d is coupled with a processing unit 3. The acoustic sound detection unit 5d is coupled with the processing unit 3 through a suitable connection 8f. The processing unit 3 is suitable to perform spectrum analysis of the acoustic waves 6 received by the acoustic sound detection unit 5d. Any suitable type of processing unit 3 will suffice. Any type of presentation of the spectrum analysis is conceivable. In short, the pallet 1 is subjected to acoustic spectrometry.
Once the vibrational response of the pallet 1 has been determined, the outcome is compared with a reference vibrational response. The reference vibrational response can be stored on an electronic tag 60 described below. The reference vibrational response can also be stored on a data server and accessible through a data network. The reference vibrational response represents the vibrational response of a ready to use pallet 1. The reference vibrational response can be based on any suitable information like the vibrational response of a “reference pallet”. As an example, the reference vibrational response comprises a previously monitored vibrational response of the identified pallet that is subjected to the method of the invention. In particular the reference vibrational response comprises an initial vibrational response of the identified pallet in undamaged condition.
As another example, the reference vibrational response is based on comparing respective monitored vibrational responses of a number of respective pallets.
It will be clear that the step of monitoring a vibrational response of the load supporting surface can be repeated after a period of use of the pallet. The period of use can have any suitable and desired period of time and can also depend on the actual use of a pallet.
Figure 2 is a schematic drawing in side view of a second test system 19 according to the invention for determining damage in a pallet 1. In general only differences are compared of the first test system of Figure 1 are described. The test system 18 has an acoustic sound source 7 to excite the pallet 1. The acoustic sound source 7 is coupled to an excitation means 2 through a suitable connection 8d. The excitations means 2 is not in direct contact with the pallet 1. Instead, the excitation means 2 is arranged at a distance opposite the deck 10 of the pallet 1. The excitations means 2 excites the deck 10 of the pallet 1 through the air and makes the deck 10 to vibrate as a unity. If convenient, the random signal generator, that is the acoustic sound source 7 and the excitation means 2, can be integrated in a handheld device, in particular a mobile phone. This way, a vibrational response of a pallet 1 can be obtained anywhere as desired.
The test system 18 has a number of acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, 5c to receive vibrations transmitted by the pallet 1. The acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, 5c are configured for, and in, direct contact with the pallet 1. Here, two acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, 5c are arranged at opposite sides the pallet 1. Acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, support the pallet 1.
It is also conceivable that two or more acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, 5c are arranged below the pallet 1 only. Placing the pallet 1 in the test system 19 is simplified. Acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, support the pallet 1. A step of weighing the pallet 1 can be done in addition.
The acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, 5c are coupled with a processing unit 3. The acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, 5c are coupled with the processing unit 3 through respective suitable couplings 8a, 8b, 8c. The processing unit 3 is suitable to perform spectrum analysis of the vibrations received by the acoustic sound detection units 5a, 5b, 5c.
In connection with determining damage in a pallet, a vibrational response of a unitary load supporting surface of a pallet proves to be a reliable criterion. The method results in approval or disapproval of a pallet.
Figure 3 shows in perspective view a pallet suitable to be inspected for damage using the systems of Figure 1 or 2. The pallet 1 is shown in its ready to use state. The illustrated pallet is of conventional Euro Pallet dimensions (1200 mm x 800 mm x 144 mm). It includes a deck 10 having a deck upper surface 12 a deck lower surface 14 and a deck peripheral edge 16. The deck 10 of the pallet 1 is a unitary load supporting surface. The deck 10 has determined Eigen frequencies and associated modes of vibration. Blocks 20 are provided beneath the deck 10 and space the deck 10 from a skid 30. The skid 30 also has a skid upper surface 32 a skid lower surface 34 and a skid peripheral edge 36. Openings 4 between the blocks 20 allow the forks of a fork lift truck to be inserted under the deck 10 to engage the deck lower surface 14 for lifting the pallet 1 as is otherwise conventional.
Unlike conventional pallets, the blocks 20 are provided with sleeve portions 22 that extend upwards, covering the deck peripheral edge 16 to a position level with the deck upper surface 12. The sleeve portions 22 also extend downwards and overlap the skid peripheral edge 36. Furthermore, it may be seen that the deck peripheral edge 16 and the skid peripheral edge 36 are provided with chamfers 17, 37 at the location of the openings 4. This facilitates access by a fork-lift and reduces any damage due to the fact that an impact may be deflected. A barcode 52 is provided on block 20. In practice, the barcodes 52 will be placed on the diagonally opposing blocks 20, one on each external face (i.e. 4 barcodes 52 to each pallet).
An electronic tag 60 as schematically shown is installed in a central block 20. The electronic tag 60 is further described below. The pallet has a signalling element 45 on the pallet 1. The signalling element 45 is able to signal a reject status to a user of the pallet 1. Therefore, the signalling element 45 is operationally coupled with the electronic tag 60. The signalling 45 is arranged with the pallet 1 such that a user can directly observe the signalling element 45 with ease.
Figure 4 shows an enlarged partially cut-away view of detail IV in Figure 3. According to this view, the deck 10 and part of the block 20I have been cut away to show the pallet construction. The deck 10 comprises an outer skin 11 of wood, covering an inner core 13 formed from slats of MDF material. It will be understood that the deck 10 of the pallet 1 is a unitary load supporting surface that vibrates and has vibration modes as a unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the skin 11 has a thickness of 3 mm. It will be understood that the outer skin may also be made of plywood, MDF or even of a composite e.g. laminated with fibre reinforced layers. Edge members 15, also of MDF, form the peripheral edge 16. These edge members 15 have a depth of 22 mm corresponding to the thickness of the core 13 and a width of 30 mm. This width is sufficient to allow cutaway regions 18 of around 15 mm, without unduly weakening the structure of the deck. The whole of the deck 10 is coated with a polyurethane resin coating 40, having a thickness of around 1 mm. The coating 40 provides a number of advantages to the pallet. Not only does it make the deck 10 stronger and more impact resistant but it is also waterproof, easily washable, anti-slip and can be used to provide a desirable colour or look.
The blocks 20 can also be provided with the same coating 40 as the deck 10. The blocks 20 can be mantled or coated entirely as desired. The blocks 20 are glued to the deck 10 using an adhesive 42 that forms a relatively thick elastic bond between the elements. In the present embodiment, TEROSON MS 9399 TM is used, which is a two-component modified silane adhesive available from Henkel. An advantage of this adhesive is that it remains elastic even after curing and, while being sufficiently strong to prevent undesired separation, ensures shock absorption in case of impact on the pallet 10. The adhesive joint can also be easily broken using a cutting wire.
The skid 30 can also be provided with the same coating 40, which covers it entirely. Adhesive 42 connects the skid 30 to the blocks 20. Also visible in this view are bumpers 44 provided on chamfers 17, 37 of the deck 10 and skid 30 respectively. The bumpers 44 are HDPE strips that are glued to and cover the chamfers 17, 37. Although not visible in this view, the bumpers 44 may be recessed into the material of the deck peripheral edge 16 and skid peripheral edge 36 respectively.
In production, the deck 10, blocks 20 and skid 30 are individually manufactured. The finished elements are then all coated with coating 40 prior to assembly. An Electronic tag 60 as schematically shown in fig. 3 is installed in the cavity 26 of a block 20 , for example a central block, and initialised. The tag 60 is battery powered and designed to operate for a period of up to 10 years based on normally expected usage. The blocks 20 are then adhered to the skid 30 using the adhesive 42 followed by application of the deck 10 with further adhesive 42 being placed onto the spacer portions 24 of the blocks 20. Once assembled, the tag 54 is sealed within the cavity 26 and can only be accessed in case of necessity by removal of the central block 20. The bumpers 44 are then glued to over the chamfers 17, 37 and the barcode 52 is applied. Since it is desirable to have the same unique barcode 52 visible from each side of the pallet, application of the barcode preferably takes place by computer generation of a unique serial number for application as a barcode 52 to a first of the sides e.g. on block 20. At subsequent locations in the automated production, the barcode 52 on block 20 may be read by an optical scanner and duplicated onto the other corner blocks 20.
In use, the sleeve portions 22 and the bumpers 44 fully protect the deck peripheral edge 16 and the skid peripheral edge 36 from any lateral shock due e.g. to incorrect insertion of a fork-lift into openings 4. In the case that damage does occur to the pallet 1, the elements that are damaged may be removed from the pallet 1 and replaced. In the case of damage to a single block 20, this may be removed by use of a wire cutter to cut adhesive 42 and separate the block 20 from the deck 10 and skid 30. This may involve first the removal of the sleeve portion 22 e.g. by cutting it away from the spacer portion 24. If the deck 10 or skid 30 is damaged, removal of all sleeve portions 22 may be desirable in order to conveniently cut away the blocks 20.
Figure 5A gives a schematic overview of the architecture of an electronic tag 60. Tag 60 includes a processor 61, a battery 62 an input-output device 63, antenna 64, memory 65 and clock 66, which operate in a conventional manner to enable the tag 60 to communicate over distances of up to 300 metres with a suitably arranged receiver according to standard protocols including Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, Zensys, LoRa, 6L0WPAN, 433Mhz/868Mhz/915Mhz, 3G/4G/5G/LTE proprietary protocols or any other low power wide area network protocols.
The tag 60 can additionally be provided with a temperature sensor 67, an accelerometer 68 and a weight sensor 69, all of which communicate with the processor 61. It will be understood that other sensors may also be included as required. In the case of the weight sensor 69, this is installed beneath the central block 20 and is calibrated during production to give a reading reflecting a distributed load supported on the deck 10. If required other calibrations may be applied depending on the nature of the product to be transported.
Figure 5B gives a schematic overview of a pallet logistic system 100 according to one aspect of the invention. The system 100 comprises a plurality of pallets 1, a receiver 110, a network data server 120 and a customer server 130. The receiver 110, network data server 120 and customer server 130 are linked to each other through the Internet 140 and have Cloud data storage. The system 100 also includes a master pallet T. The pallets 1 are as described above, each of which including a respective electronic tag 60. The master pallet 1 ’ is otherwise identical to the pallets 1, with the exception that it includes additional communication capability in the form of a gateway device 70 having a 3G modem chip enabling it to communicate directly with a telecom provider. It will be understood that other levels of communication may be equally applicable including 4G, 5G, LTE or other. The gateway device 70 is also enabled to interrogate the tags 60 of any normal pallets 1 that are within range.
Operation of the system 100 will further be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. In normal operation, the tags 60 on pallets 1 communicate wirelessly with the receiver 110 to the extent that they are in range. This may be the case when they enter or exit a warehouse facility, whereby the receiver 110 is located at an entrance or exit. The receiver 110 may also be mobile, e.g. located onboard a lorry, train or vessel. The tags 60 are set to ‘ping’ or emit a signal containing status information at predetermined times. This time period varies according to the status of the pallet 1. If the pallet 1 is stationary, as determined by the accelerometer 68, the tag 60 pings every 60 minutes. If the accelerometer 68 detects motion of the pallet 1, the processor 61 instructs the inputoutput device 63 to ping every 60 seconds. In this manner, the life of battery 62 is preserved (these ping times are exemplary and may be varied according to the requirements of the situation).
The ping signal contains information stored by the memory 65 since the last communication with an external source. This information may include data that represents the vibrational response of the pallet 1. This representation may be in any suitable format. This information may also include data collected from the temperature sensor 67, the accelerometer 68 and the weight sensor 69, all of which is time stamped based on the clock 66 and provided with the pallet unique identity based on the barcode serial number 52. In this manner, complete data relating to the environment in which the pallet 1 has found itself can be recorded and subsequently transmitted. The ping signal is received by receiver 110, which acts as a gateway, for further transmission of the information to the internet 140. All this data is stored in the network data server 120, which will be used by the operator for operating the pallet pool. This network data server 120 will have the possibility to make available, via an Application Programming Interface or API, customer specific subsets of this data to customer servers 130 for use in their own IT systems.
In an alternative mode of operation, the gateway device 70 on the master pallet T is able to receive the ping signal from the pallets 1 when they are within range. This may be the case if the master pallet 1 ’ is present in a consignment of normal pallets 1. In that case, the gateway device 70 may be able to continuously communicate data from the pallets 1 throughout their journey. The gateway device 70 can transmit this data directly to the internet 140.
It will be understood that based on the above system 100, the data that can be made available to the network data server 120 and the customer server 130 is limitless. Not only can data be generated in bulk relating to all pallets 1 within the system 100 but also individual data can be generated regarding the status of a particular pallet 1 and its load. The momentary position of a pallet 1 and its previous trajectory can be determined as can the environmental conditions (in this case temperature) to which it has been exposed. Additional sensors may be provided for all other detectable conditions that may be of interest. The condition of a pallet 1 may be determined by identifying sudden shocks or excessive loading using the respective accelerometer 68 and load sensors 69. This may be used to plan periodic maintenance or checks. Additionally, an individual pallet 1 may be interrogated by scanning the barcode 52 to directly determine its status. In this case, the barcode 52 allows an enabled mobile device such as a smartphone to extract data from the Internet 140 relating to recently received information transmitted from the tag 60 on the pallet
1.
Figure 6 shows spectra 600 of an accepted pallet and a rejected pallet. The first power spectrum density 601 is of a new pallet. The second power spectrum density 602 in a bold line is of a rejected pallet. The difference between the first power spectrum density 601 and the second power spectrum density 602 can be best seen in the frequency range of between 10 to 300 Hz. Damage to the pallet 1 causes a difference in vibrational response of the pallet 1. The damage of the pallet 1 can be to the deck 10, a block 10 or any other part of the pallet 1. A block 10 can even be missing from the pallet 1. Based on this representation in fig. 6 it will be clear that the vibrational response of the load supporting surface, the deck 10, can be determined by any suitable parameter like e.g. a power spectral density (PSD) of the vibrational response of the load supporting surface, a resonant frequency of the load supporting surface, in particular a number of resonant frequencies of the load supporting surface, attenuation, and Eigen shapes, that is modes of vibration associated with a resonant (Eigen)frequency. Reject criteria for the pallet 1 and based on any of these suitable parameters can have an absolute character like comparing with a reference vibrational response of a reference pallet, and/or have a relative character like comparing with an earlier vibrational response of the pallet 1 and for example allowing a maximal deviation of 20% for a certain resonant frequency.
Thus, the invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art. In particular, the test systems of figure 1 and 2 may be distinct from the schematically illustrated design.
Many modifications in addition to those described above may be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.
Claims (17)
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021171A NL2021171B1 (en) | 2018-06-22 | 2018-06-22 | Method for testing integrity of pallet |
| PCT/NL2019/050382 WO2019245371A1 (en) | 2018-06-22 | 2019-06-19 | Method for testing integrity of pallet |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021171A NL2021171B1 (en) | 2018-06-22 | 2018-06-22 | Method for testing integrity of pallet |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2021171B1 true NL2021171B1 (en) | 2020-01-06 |
Family
ID=63207827
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021171A NL2021171B1 (en) | 2018-06-22 | 2018-06-22 | Method for testing integrity of pallet |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2021171B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2019245371A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3988906A1 (en) | 2020-10-22 | 2022-04-27 | InnovationLab GmbH | Sensor element for detecting force applied to the sensor element and pallet comprising such a sensor element for detecting weight and/or weight distribution applied to it |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007009460A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-25 | Structural Vibrations Solutions A/S | Robust algorithms for experimental modal analysis |
| WO2007033410A1 (en) * | 2005-09-21 | 2007-03-29 | Messmer Instruments Ltd | Method and apparatus for measuring properties of board products |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2117575B1 (en) | 1996-08-05 | 1999-04-01 | Chep Pooling Systems B V | PROCEDURE FOR THE AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF DEFECTS IN PALLETS OR SIMILAR ELEMENTS, AND THE CORRESPONDING SYSTEM. |
-
2018
- 2018-06-22 NL NL2021171A patent/NL2021171B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2019
- 2019-06-19 WO PCT/NL2019/050382 patent/WO2019245371A1/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007009460A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-25 | Structural Vibrations Solutions A/S | Robust algorithms for experimental modal analysis |
| WO2007033410A1 (en) * | 2005-09-21 | 2007-03-29 | Messmer Instruments Ltd | Method and apparatus for measuring properties of board products |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2019245371A1 (en) | 2019-12-26 |
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