Adjustable Shelf Divider and Trackless Pusher for Variable Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing merchandising systems face challenges in accommodating shelves of varying depths, as they often require multiple sizes of dividers and tracks, which can become clogged and malfunction, making it difficult to efficiently display and rotate merchandise.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length divider system and a trackless pusher system that can be extended to accommodate shelves of varying depths, allowing for customizable lengths and preventing clogging by eliminating the need for fixed tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length dividers and tracks are used, then the merchandising system can maintain simple structure and ease of manufacture, but it cannot accommodate shelves of varying depths
Solution Approach 1:
The divider system is divided into multiple segments that can be connected together. Each segment has connecting elements that allow them to be joined in different configurations, enabling the divider to adapt to various shelf depths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider system transitions from a fixed-length design to a dynamic, adjustable-length design. The connecting elements allow the divider segments to be reconfigured based on the specific shelf depth requirements, providing adaptability without requiring completely different dividers for each depth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of dividers and tracks are provided, then the system can accommodate varying shelf depths, but it increases inventory requirements and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented divider design with standardized connecting elements creates a universal system where the same basic segments can be used across different shelf depths. This multi-functionality reduces the need to maintain separate inventories of differently-sized dividers for each shelf configuration.
3Reliability
If tracks are used to guide the pusher, then the pusher can be centered and guided forward, but the tracks become clogged with debris and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher system is designed to operate without traditional tracks. By extracting the track component entirely, the system eliminates the problem of debris accumulation and clogging that plagues tracked pusher systems, while still maintaining reliable forward movement guidance through alternative means.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length pusher systems are used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate shelves of varying depths
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher system incorporates segmented components that can be adjusted in length or reconfigured based on the shelf depth. This segmentation allows the same basic pusher design to adapt to different shelf configurations without requiring completely different pusher systems for each depth.
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 adjustable merchandising apparatus effectively organizes merchandise into rows on shelves of different depths, reducing inventory needs and preventing system malfunctions, while maintaining efficient product rotation and display.
Implementation Method 1
A spring extends between and connects the mounting clip to the pusher body. The spring acts on the pusher body to bias it towards the mounting clip.
Implementation Method 2
The first category includes inclined tracks, which rely on gravity to feed, slide or roll products forward.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable depth merchandising apparatus includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof. An adjustable divider system is selectively connected to the mounting member. The divider system includes a first divider portion and a second divider portion. Each portion contains connecting elements, which selectively engage each other to operatively connect the first divider portion to the second divider portion, thereby enabling the divider system to be employed on associated shelves of varying depths. A trackless pusher system is selectively received on the mounting member. The pusher system includes a mounting clip engaging the mounting member, a coil spring connected to the mounting clip and a pusher body slidably mounted in relation to the mounting member, wherein the coil spring is supported by the pusher body and connects the pusher body to the mounting clip. Both the divider system and the pusher system have a length which can be adjusted, thereby enabling the two systems to be employed on associated shelves of varying depths.