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US-12617580-B2 - Digitalizable and returnable packaging structure for various modular items

US12617580B2US 12617580 B2US12617580 B2US 12617580B2US-12617580-B2

Abstract

This invention presents a digitalizable, returnable packaging structure for a range of modular items, such as photovoltaic modules, combining environmental sustainability with advanced technology. Central to this design is a pallet featuring equidistantly spaced and concavely shaped support legs with reinforcement grooves for stability. These legs also have electronic labels (RFID, barcode, QR code) for efficient tracking. Stacked on top of the pallet is a packaging box, or multiple boxes, secured by a cover plate with placement slots and banding notches, along with binding straps for added stability. The pallet body includes side strips for module placement and features like side slots and circular grooves to optimize weight and integrity. This design ensures secure packaging and efficient transport, reducing recognition errors. Using plastic materials provides cost savings and environmental benefits, significantly enhancing photovoltaic module packaging.

Inventors

  • Duyuan Yu

Assignees

  • Duyuan Yu

Dates

Publication Date
20260505
Application Date
20240726

Claims (12)

  1. 1 . A digitalizable and returnable packaging structure for various modular items, comprising: a pallet with a pallet body having sides and an upper end and an opposed lower end; a plurality of side strips affixed to an outer portion of the upper end of said pallet body; a plurality of side slots on the sides of said pallet body; a plurality of grooves arranged at either the upper end or the lower end of said pallet body; a plurality of strap slots at the lower end of said pallet body; a plurality of concavely shaped support legs integrally formed with and extending downwards from said pallet body; a plurality of label positions on the exterior of said support legs; and a cover plate positioned on an upper end of a packaging box.
  2. 2 . The packaging structure of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of binding straps for securing said pallet, packaging box, and cover plate.
  3. 3 . The packaging structure of claim 1 , wherein said side strips are arranged in multiple equidistant sections along the outer portion of the upper end of said pallet body, with gaps between adjacent said side strips.
  4. 4 . The packaging structure of claim 1 , wherein said grooves are equidistantly arranged.
  5. 5 . The packaging structure of claim 4 , wherein each of said grooves is substantially circular in shape.
  6. 6 . The packaging structure of claim 1 , wherein said support legs are equidistantly arranged and are organized into between four and six columns within said pallet body.
  7. 7 . The packaging structure of claim 6 , wherein each of said support legs further comprises internal reinforcement grooves.
  8. 8 . The packaging structure of claim 1 , wherein said label positions are correspondingly established on the outermost said support legs.
  9. 9 . The packaging structure of claim 8 , wherein said label positions contain electronic labels, configured in a tripartite format comprising RFID, barcode, and QR code components.
  10. 10 . The packaging structure of claim 1 , wherein said cover plate comprises: a cover plate body having an upper end and an opposed lower end and adjoining the upper end of said packaging box, and placement slots and banding notches located at the upper end of said cover plate body.
  11. 11 . A digitalizable and returnable packaging structure for various modular items, comprising: a pallet with a pallet body having sides and an upper end and an opposed lower end; a plurality of side strips affixed to an outer portion of the upper end of said pallet body, arranged in multiple equidistant sections along the outer portion of the upper end of said pallet body, with gaps between adjacent said side strips; a plurality of side slots on the sides of said pallet body; a plurality of grooves arranged at either the upper end or the lower end of said pallet body, equidistantly arranged, wherein each of said grooves is substantially circular in shape; a plurality of strap slots at the lower end of said pallet body; a plurality of concavely shaped support legs integrally formed with and extending downwards from said pallet body, equidistantly arranged and organized into between four and six columns within said pallet body, each of said support legs further comprising internal reinforcement grooves; a plurality of label positions on the exterior of said support legs, correspondingly established on the outermost said support legs, containing electronic labels configured in a tripartite format comprising RFID, barcode, and QR code components; and a cover plate positioned on an upper end of a packaging box, said cover plate comprising a cover plate body having an upper end and an opposed lower end and adjoining the upper end of said packaging box, with placement slots and banding notches located at the upper end of said cover plate body.
  12. 12 . The packaging structure of claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of binding straps for securing said pallet, packaging box, and cover plate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/624,937, filed Jan. 25, 2024. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to the realm of packaging structures, particularly focusing on an innovative packaging solution versatile enough for various modular items, including photovoltaic modules. This novel packaging structure is distinguished by its capabilities for digital tracking and sustainable reuse. PRIOR ART As photovoltaic power generation technology matures, research on photovoltaic modules has become a significant subject. From the research and development of photovoltaic modules to their manufacture, and finally to delivery to customers, these modules undergo multiple transshipments and long-distance transportation. Due to the fragile and scratch-prone nature of photovoltaic modules, there is a need for an appropriate pallet packaging structure to achieve stable packaging and transportation coordination. A pallet acts as a medium that transforms static goods into dynamic goods. It is a type of loading platform and an active platform, or rather, a movable ground. Goods that lose flexibility when placed on the ground regain mobility once loaded onto a pallet, becoming flexible flowing goods. This is because goods on a pallet are always in a state of readiness to be moved at any time. In the context of existing pallet packaging for photovoltaic modules, several drawbacks are apparent. The prevalent use of wooden pallets, designed primarily for single-use applications, lacks sustainability and environmental friendliness. These pallets, with their paper covers and side walls, offer limited stability and precise placement for modules during transport, posing a risk to the fragile and scratch-prone nature of photovoltaic modules. Additionally, the weight management of these pallets, particularly when stacked, is often inadequate, leading to issues during transit. Furthermore, traditional pallets rely on conventional labeling methods, which are susceptible to errors in the rapid transshipment process. This can result in recognition errors and mismatches between modules and their corresponding pallets. The poor stack stability of these pallets further complicates their handling and transportation. These limitations underscore the need for an innovative approach in pallet packaging to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable transport of photovoltaic modules. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention introduces an innovative digitalizable and returnable packaging structure suitable for a variety of modular items. It features advanced technology for digital tracking and environmental sustainability through reusability. The invention includes a versatile pallet forming the base of the packaging structure. This pallet is designed with a body having sides and upper and lower ends, equipped with uniquely shaped support legs for stability and strength. The legs feature internal reinforcement and designated positions for advanced electronic labels incorporating RFID, barcode, and QR code technologies. Above the pallet, the structure accommodates one or more packaging boxes, with a single box being preferred. These boxes are secured with a cover plate and binding straps for enhanced security. The cover plate is designed with placement slots and banding notches for additional stability. Further, the packaging structure incorporates design elements such as side strips and side slots on the pallet body and grooves at its ends, facilitating stable and secure transportation of a variety of items. Advantages Consequently, numerous benefits of one or more aspects are evident in the innovative packaging structure, which is adaptable for a range of modular items, such as photovoltaic modules. This design marks a substantial improvement over conventional pallet packaging structure. This structure, featuring a durable, reusable plastic pallet body with equidistantly mounted side strips and support legs, offers improved stability and precise placement of modules during transport, contributing to environmental sustainability. The design includes internal reinforcement grooves within the support legs, enhancing strength and stability, and addressing the fragility of various modular items like photovoltaic modules without adding excessive weight. Traditional pallets often struggle with weight management when stacked. This challenge is countered with side slots and substantially circular grooves in the pallet body, balancing weight reduction and structural integrity, thus enhancing transport efficiency and stability. A significant improvement is the integration of advanced electronic labels on the support legs, utilizing RFID, barcode, and QR code components. This modern labeling system reduces recognition errors and optimizes pallet and module management. Additionally, the integration of placement slots at the upper end of the cover plate, aligning