Adjustable Pusher Tray Barriers for Refrigerated Shelf Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pusher systems are not suitable for commercial refrigerated cabinets or freezers due to space optimization issues, mechanical failures caused by ice buildup, and susceptibility to dislodging from mounting hooks, which poses safety and financial concerns.
Innovation Solution
A merchandise pusher tray with a base structure and moveable dividers that can be mounted as a cantilevered extension, featuring a wire floor and adjustable dividers to accommodate varying merchandise sizes, and a locking mechanism to secure the system to the vertical wall, preventing dislodgement and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional pusher systems are installed in commercial refrigerated cabinets or freezers, then automatic front-facing of merchandise is achieved, but valuable retail display space is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher tray is designed to be movable along the display bar, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic design allows the system to occupy minimal space when not in use while providing full pusher functionality when needed, thereby resolving the space versus automation contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting the display bar vertically and employing a locking mechanism that secures the pusher tray in place during operation. This dimensional approach allows automatic front-facing functionality without permanently occupying horizontal display space
2Extent of automation
If conventional pusher systems are used in refrigerated environments, then merchandise front-facing is automated, but mechanical failures occur due to ice buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes vulnerable mechanical components such as springs and moving joints that are prone to ice-related failures. The redesigned system uses a simpler, more robust mechanism that is less susceptible to the harsh refrigerated environment, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving automation
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher tray incorporates a flexible lip that can deform to push merchandise without requiring complex mechanical joints. This flexible element is more resistant to ice buildup and mechanical failure compared to rigid moving parts, solving the reliability issue in refrigerated environments
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional pusher systems are mounted using hooks, then installation is simple, but the system is susceptible to dislodging from the mounting shelf
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features a movable locking bar that can be easily engaged and disengaged, providing secure mounting during operation while allowing simple installation and removal when needed. This dynamic locking system resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and mounting security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar acts as an intermediary element between the pusher tray and the display bar, providing a secure mechanical connection that prevents dislodging while maintaining installation simplicity. This intermediary component transfers the load securely without requiring complex mounting structures
4Ease of operation
If the pusher tray is not fully loaded with merchandise, then restocking is easier, but the hooks are not secured and the system may dislodge
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged before loading merchandise, securing the pusher tray to the display bar in advance. This preliminary action ensures that even when the tray is empty or partially loaded, the system remains securely mounted and cannot dislodge, while still allowing easy restocking operations
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 efficient front-facing of merchandise in refrigerated environments, maximizing space, preventing mechanical failures, and ensuring safety by securely mounting the pusher tray, even under heavy loads, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pusher body connected to a spring located at the leading edge of the track. The spring exerts a linear force on the pusher body that causes the pusher to move in a linear direction towards the leading edge of the track
Implementation Method 2
the user can release the pusher body, which causes the coiled spring to recoil and exert a second linear force on the pusher body. The second linear force exerted by the spring drives the pusher body forward to contact the retail merchandise
Data Source
AI summary
A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a first and second support structure. The first and second support structures provide support for a base structure. The first and second support structures couple to a support bracket. The support bracket holds the first and second support structures and the base structure in a cantilevered position when mounted to a bar or shelf. The merchandise pusher tray may include a divider. The divider can be coupled to the base structure and adjustable along a second axis relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray further includes a pusher that is mounted to the base structure and capable of movement along a first axis relative to the base structure.