Facilitating the placement of shelving in a merchandise display and dispensing unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving units, such as gondolas, require the removal of merchandise and manual adjustment of shelves to change their height, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and lacks safety features to prevent accidental movement.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes leveling members and a locking mechanism with an actuator for secure, level orientation and easy manual adjustment of shelves, along with a damper mechanism to control movement and prevent accidents, allowing shelves to be moved to selected heights without unloading merchandise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shelf is manually adjusted by uncoupling and recoupling to change height, then the vertical position can be changed, but the process requires removing merchandise and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is pre-positioned at multiple vertical levels along the support members, allowing the shelf to be quickly locked into place at the desired height without requiring removal and reinstallation. The engagement sections are预先 designed to interface with these pre-positioned locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf adjustment system allows operators to independently adjust shelf heights using the engagement sections and locking mechanisms without requiring assistance from other personnel or complex tools. The manual actuator enables single-person operation.
2Ease of operation
If the shelf is manually moved to adjust height, then the vertical position can be changed, but the shelf may move uncontrollably downward without safety features
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the support members at predetermined vertical levels, preventing unintended downward movement. The actuator requires deliberate manual operation to disengage the locking mechanism, providing preliminary protection against accidental shelf movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the shelf and the support members, providing a controlled interface that allows intentional movement while preventing accidental movement. The mechanism mediates between the need for easy adjustment and the need for safety.
3Ease of operation
If the shelf is moved manually without leveling mechanism, then the position can be changed, but the shelf orientation may become non-horizontal
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling members are designed to engage with the support members at corresponding vertical levels, creating equipotential conditions that ensure both ends of the shelf are at the same height. This geometric constraint automatically maintains horizontal orientation during the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling members are positioned asymmetrically relative to the shelf structure, with each leveling member engaged at a specific location on the support members. This asymmetric arrangement ensures proper geometric alignment and horizontal orientation when the shelf is installed at the desired height.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method facilitate placement of shelves at selected levels in a merchandise display and dispensing unit. At least one shelf is secured in place in a horizontal, level orientation at a selected level to locate a point-of-purchase at a selected height within the unit. A locking mechanism located adjacent a distal edge of the shelf locks the shelf at the selected level and is operated by an actuator extending essentially from adjacent one to adjacent the other end of the shelf, beneath the shelf, conveniently accessible by an operator from a proximal edge of the shelf while supporting the shelf in an essentially balanced manner so as to enable manual movement for relocating the shelf to the selected level without disturbing items placed on the shelf. A leveling system is coupled to the shelf to maintain the shelf in the horizontal, level orientation during movement, and a damper mechanism impedes accelerated downward movement of the shelf when unlocked for selected relocation.