Adjustable Display Tray Assembly With Forward Product Facing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shelving systems, particularly freezer shelving systems, lack the ability to accommodate products of varying sizes and dimensions, and do not provide a mechanism to keep products faced towards the front of the shelf.
Innovation Solution
A display tray assembly with adjustable side tray sections that can move laterally to accommodate different product sizes, combined with a pusher and bias element to ensure products are faced forward, utilizing a center tray section with low-friction ridges and valleys for easy sliding and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If universal shelving systems with adjustable side walls are used, then the system can accommodate product packaging of any size and dimension, but the system lacks a pusher mechanism with forward bias to keep product faced to the front
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is divided into modular components: a base section, a center tray section, and adjustable side tray sections. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions - the base and center provide structural support while the side sections can be independently adjusted to accommodate different product sizes, and the pusher mechanism is integrated into the center tray section to maintain product facing
Solution Approach 2:
The side tray sections are designed with movable connections to the base and center tray sections, enabling dynamic adjustment of the shelving width. This dynamic configuration allows the shelves to adapt to varying product dimensions while maintaining structural integrity, and the pusher mechanism utilizes spring bias to dynamically maintain product facing without requiring manual intervention
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed width shelving systems are used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the system cannot accommodate different product sizes in a retail environment
Solution Approach 1:
The side tray sections incorporate movable connections that allow the shelving width to be dynamically adjusted while maintaining structural stability. The connections enable smooth lateral movement of the side sections without compromising the overall rigidity of the assembly, allowing adaptation to different product sizes while preserving structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the shelving into a fixed base section and adjustable side tray sections, the design maintains the stability of the core structure while allowing flexibility in the side portions. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of side sections without affecting the structural foundation provided by the base and center tray sections
3Stability of the object's composition
If high-friction surfaces are used on the tray, then products are held in place, but significant force is required for stocking and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The tray surface features localized friction variations through the ridge and valley pattern. The ridges provide elevated contact points that offer sufficient friction to hold products in place, while the valleys create low-friction pathways between ridges. This local differentiation allows products to be securely positioned during storage but easily moved during stocking and removal with minimal force
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for flexible width adjustment to fit various products, reduces friction for easy product movement, and minimizes the force required for stocking and removal, enhancing both retail display efficiency and consumer experience.
Implementation Method 1
a bias element, such as a spring, for biasing the pusher in a forward direction
Implementation Method 2
center tray section with low-friction ridges and valleys for easy sliding and cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
The system of the present application includes a display tray assembly having base and center tray sections that are configured to form a gap that receives a side tray section on either side. The side tray sections are configured such that they may move laterally with respect to the base and center tray section in order to adjust the width of the entire display tray assembly to accommodate any size product in a retail environment. In lieu of side tray sections, the display tray assembly may include union tray sections that may engage two separate base and center tray section assemblies in order to create a continuous display tray assembly with adjustable widths.