Adjustable Shelf Mounting for Dense Gravity-Fed Product Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shelving systems for displaying and dispensing dairy products are inefficient due to suboptimal retainers at the front end, requiring excessive vertical spacing for restocking, and lack the ability to accommodate different stanchion designs and secondary shelves, limiting product selection and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A modular gravity-fed shelving system with adjustable mounting structures and a latching mechanism that accommodates various stanchion designs, allowing for closer shelf spacing and the addition of auxiliary shelves, while maintaining product safety through movable retainers and barriers that prevent forward movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional shelving systems are used with fixed mounting structures, then the shelf spacing must be large to allow restocking, but this reduces product display density and space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable components that allow the shelf position to be dynamically changed. The mounting portion can be repositioned vertically along the support member, enabling the shelf spacing to be optimized for both product display density and restocking clearance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into separate adjustable components including a mounting portion with multiple positioning options on the support member. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of shelf positions to resolve the conflict between maximizing product density and maintaining restocking clearance.
2Ease of operation
If slide out shelving is tilted during restocking, then products can be accessed, but this creates clearance issues and complicates the restocking operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting function is extracted from the shelf structure itself and replaced with a simple latch mechanism that holds the shelf in position. The shelf remains horizontal while the latch is operated to enable sliding, separating the support function from the movement control function.
Solution Approach 2:
A latch mechanism serves as an intermediary between the shelf and the support member. This latch enables the shelf to be held securely in the horizontal position during normal operation and allows controlled movement during restocking without requiring the shelf to tilt.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting structures are used, then only specific stanchion designs are compatible, but this reduces adaptability to different manufacturers' standards
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to interface with multiple stanchion designs from different manufacturers. The mounting portion can accommodate various stanchion geometries and dimensions, making the shelf system adaptable to different retail environments without requiring custom designs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed shelf spacing is used, then the structure is simple, but this prevents addition of secondary shelves for expanded product selection
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure allows dynamic repositioning of shelves at multiple height locations along the support member. This enables the addition of secondary shelves or modification of shelf spacing to accommodate expanded product selections while maintaining structural integrity.
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 shelving system enhances product display density by allowing closer shelf placement, accommodating different stanchion designs, and enabling efficient restocking without changing the shelf orientation, thus increasing product selection without replacing the entire system.
Implementation Method 1
A pin is connected to one of the first and second members and a sleeve is connected to the other of the first and second members, wherein the sleeve selectively accommodates the pin. A fastener is provided for selectively securing the pin in the sleeve.
Implementation Method 2
Gravity feed systems are known to move products towards the front of display or storage cases. While it is now known to feed dairy products such as yogurt by gravity towards the front end of a refrigerated display case
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf system includes a support member that accommodates an associated object for display and dispensing. The support member includes a front end and a rear end. A mounting portion is disposed adjacent the support member rear end. The mounting portion includes a first member which connects to an associated upright and a second member which is operatively connected to the support member. A pin is connected to one of the first and second members and a sleeve is connected to the other of the first and second members, wherein the sleeve selectively accommodates the pin. A fastener is provided for selectively securing the pin in the sleeve.