Adjustable Tray with Pusher Mechanism for Variable Product Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf systems fail to efficiently display and advance products of varying sizes towards the front of shelves, making them visible and accessible to consumers, particularly in refrigerated sections where products like soft drinks and bottled beverages are stored.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shelf assembly with interchangeable dividers and cams that allow for customizable lane sizes, combined with a pusher mechanism using a coiled spring to advance products, ensuring products of different sizes are displayed prominently and easily accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed shelf systems are used, then manufacturing and installation are simple, but they cannot accommodate products of varying sizes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is divided into modular components including adjustable dividers that can be repositioned along the shelf length, and interchangeable cam mechanisms that can be swapped to accommodate different product dimensions. This segmentation allows the shelf to adapt to various product sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable dividers that can move to different positions, and cams with varying profiles that can be interchanged based on product requirements. These dynamic features enable the static shelf structure to adapt to changing product dimensions without requiring complete redesign.
2Productivity
If gravity-based inclined trays are used, then products automatically move forward, but products may skew or misalign during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the gravity-based movement and the product. As products slide down the inclined tray, the cam profile guides and constrains their movement, preventing skewing and ensuring proper alignment as they advance toward the front of the shelf. The cam serves as a mediating element that translates gravitational force into controlled, aligned product movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cams with different profiles and geometries that can be selected and installed based on specific product characteristics. By changing the cam parameters (shape, size, profile), the system maintains proper product alignment and prevents skewing for different product types while preserving automatic advancement through gravity.
3Ease of operation
If pusher systems with springs are used, then products are pushed forward effectively, but the system becomes more complex and requires more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pusher mechanism with the cam structure, merging two separate functions (pushing and guiding) into a single integrated component. The cam serves both as a guide to prevent skewing and as a pusher to advance products, eliminating the need for separate spring-loaded pusher mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides product movement to prevent skewing, pushes products forward along the inclined tray, and can be adjusted or replaced to accommodate different product sizes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pusher components, simplifying the overall system.
4Ease of operation
If non-adjustable shelves are used, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but product visibility and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is segmented into standardized modular components with predetermined adjustment positions and interchangeable elements like dividers and cams. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled in various configurations, balancing manufacturing simplicity with operational flexibility for different product sizes.
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 shelf system effectively accommodates various product sizes, ensuring they are displayed towards the front of the shelf, enhancing visibility and accessibility, and can be easily adjusted or replaced as needed, maintaining product alignment and preventing skewing.
Implementation Method 1
a pusher mechanism using a coiled spring to advance products
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable tray for a merchandise display system may include a retainer for limiting the movement of products loaded in the adjustable tray, a first divider extending from a first panel and second divider extending from a second panel. The spacing between the first divider and the second divider can be configured to be adjusted. The first panel and the second panel can be configured to move to provide additional surface area for the adjustable tray to accommodate different sized products. The adjustable tray may further include a pusher mechanism configured to bias product toward the retainer.