Adjustable Refrigerated Display Rack for Balanced Shelf Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-service sales displays with fixed vertical partitions and shelves lead to imbalanced presentation spaces, resulting in an unoptimized and unappealing visual display for consumers and inefficient use of available space, particularly when displaying dairy products.

Innovation Solution

A modular self-service sales display with adjustable vertical partitions and shelves that can be removably mounted on a refrigerated cabinet, allowing for customizable width and height adjustments between partitions and shelves, enabling flexible and optimized presentation spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed vertical partitions and shelves are used in self-service sales displays, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the space utilization efficiency deteriorates due to imbalanced presentation spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidspace utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The display structure is divided into modular components: vertical partitions that can be independently positioned and shelves that can be adjusted in height. Each partition includes retaining means with multiple positioning options, allowing the display to be segmented into customizable sections. This segmentation enables optimized space utilization while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized modular elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. Vertical partitions can be repositioned along the bottom panel using retaining means with multiple engagement positions. Shelves can be adjusted in height by removing and repositioning supports. This dynamic capability allows the display to adapt to different product arrangements, improving space utilization efficiency without complicating the basic structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed vertical partitions are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates due to inability to create modular presentation spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmodular presentation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical partitions serve multiple functions: they define presentation spaces, provide mounting positions for shelves through retaining means, and can be repositioned to create different module configurations. The retaining means with multiple positioning options allow the same partition structure to adapt to various display requirements. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The display system allows changes in key parameters: the horizontal position of vertical partitions can be adjusted by engaging retaining means at different positions, and the vertical position of shelves can be changed by repositioning supports. These parameter changes enable the creation of modular presentation spaces with varying widths and heights, enhancing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable shelves are implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to removable mounting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf positioning flexibilityVSAvoidassembly and adjustment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf support system is designed for self-service adjustment. Supports can be easily removed from retaining means and repositioned to different heights without requiring tools or complex procedures. The retaining means provide clear engagement positions that guide proper installation. This self-service capability improves ease of operation by enabling customers or staff to adjust shelves independently while maintaining the adaptability benefits of removable mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1994861B1Display rack for self-service sale, in particular for dairy products, adaptable for refrigerated cabinets
Publication Date: 2011.07.06 SAVENCIA SA
  • EP1994861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1994861B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1994861B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The pack (1) has vertical partitions (4) spaced with respect to each other in an adjustable manner, and shelves (7) mounted between the partitions. The partitions delimit vertical modules between them, where the pack is mounted in a movable manner on a base panel of a refrigerated cabinet between two lateral panels of the cabinet. Each shelf is supported by cleats (8'), mounted in a movable manner, at a chosen height, on a rear vertical edge (9') of corresponding partition through lateral slits (16') of the cleats formed on top of the rear edge.