Adjustable Display Hook Structure to Prevent Product Dislodging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retail display systems for hanging products, such as card products, are often expensive, unstable, and lack functionality and style, with hangers frequently becoming dislodged during customer use, and do not offer integrated features like product information holders or advertisement slots.

Innovation Solution

A display unit with a hook that forms an obtuse angle, has a circular edge, and a telescoping mechanism for adjustable length, along with a securing mechanism for stable attachment to a vertical surface, and integrated channels for additional stability and a holding mechanism for vertical members to display product information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If hangers are made of metal to add strength, then the strength of the hanger is improved, but the cost increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehanger strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is constructed using composite materials, specifically a plastic body with an integrated metal reinforcement element. The plastic portion provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while the metal component embedded within provides the necessary strength and stability to prevent dislodging. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties rather than using a single material for the entire hanger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If hangers are individually attached to the pegboard or slat-wall, then the ease of installation is improved, but the stability deteriorates as hangers frequently become dislodged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidhanger stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the attachment function and the product-holding function into a single integrated hanger unit. The hanger includes both the attachment mechanism (peg or channel engagement structure) and the product-receiving portion as one unified component. This integration ensures that when the hanger is properly installed, the entire structure works together to maintain stability, preventing the product from being accidentally removed while preserving ease of installation through the unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple cylindrical hooks are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the functionality and style deteriorate with limited product positioning control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidproduct positioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is segmented into distinct functional zones: an attachment zone for securing to the display surface, a transition zone that provides structural support, and a product-receiving zone with specific geometric features. The product-receiving portion includes a curved surface and positioning features that guide and hold the product in the correct orientation. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If traditional display systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functionality deteriorates by lacking integrated enhancements like product information holders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidintegrated functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is designed as a multi-functional universal component that performs multiple functions: attaching to the display surface, holding the product securely, positioning the product in the correct orientation, and providing integrated features for product information display. The universal design allows the same hanger structure to accommodate different product types while incorporating built-in capabilities for advertising and information presentation, eliminating the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1891876B1Card product display system
Publication Date: 2012.02.22 E2INTERACTIVE INC
  • EP1891876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1891876B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1891876B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display unit (100) for hanging products comprising a substantially planar base (110) having a front side, a back side, a left edge, and a right edge. The display unit may further comprise an elongated hook (120) extending forwardly from the front side of the base, the hook having a proximal end joined to the base and a distal end (122). In addition, the display unit may comprise a securing mechanism attached to the back side of the base, the securing mechanism (130) being adapted to selectively secure the display unit to a vertical surface.