Reconfigurable pallet with error proofing
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsNicolas Lauzier, Robin Stevenson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pallet includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies located at multiple positions on the platform. One support assembly is associated with each location of the component to be supported. Each support assembly has a linkage assembly to support and enable movement of a support element. The support assemblies also each include multiple bases secured to the platform, to position the support element in a desired location for each version of a component. An alignment mechanism on each base allows for rotational alignment of the support element relative to the pallet. An error proofing mechanism compares the selected location of the support element for each of the plurality of support assemblies and provides confirmation and correction information as required.
Claims6
A support assembly for a reconfigurable pallet comprising:
- a linkage assembly mounted to a platform;
- a support element rotatably and slideably mounted to the linkage assembly;
- wherein the linkage assembly includes a foundation secured to the platform, a first arm rotatably connected to the foundation and a second arm rotatably connected to the first arm, wherein the second arm defines an aperture to slideably and rotatably receive the support element;
- a plurality of bases for selectively receiving the support element;
- an alignment mechanism associated with each base to align the rotational position of the support element relative to the base;
- and
- an error proofing mechanism associated with the support assembly to ensure the support element is selectively received on a desired one of the plurality of bases.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.