Pivoting Bicycle Display Arm for Space-Saving Retail Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Displaying medium to large items such as bicycles in retail outlets poses challenges including reduced floor space, accessibility issues, stock limitations, safety hazards for customers and employees, and an unsatisfactory sales experience due to instability and difficulty in displaying these items effectively.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus comprising a frame and a pivotally mounted display arm that can be raised and lowered, biased towards a raised position using a shaft and piston arrangement, allowing for safe and efficient display of items like bicycles, with stabilization features such as wheel stands and magnetic or mechanical retention mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If medium to large items are displayed on the floor, then accessibility and customer interaction are improved, but floor space is reduced and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display system transitions items from floor-level (2D horizontal display) to wall-mounted vertical display, utilizing the vertical dimension to free up floor space while maintaining accessibility through the lowerable arm mechanism
2Ease of operation
If medium to large items are displayed on the floor, then customer accessibility is improved, but safety hazards for customers and employees increase
Solution Approach 1:
By moving displays to the vertical wall plane, the system eliminates tripping hazards associated with floor-level items while maintaining accessibility through the mechanically lowerable arm that brings items within customer reach
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded arm mechanism enables customers to independently lower and raise items without employee assistance, eliminating safety risks associated with employees lifting heavy items while maintaining easy customer access
3Area of stationary object
If items are mounted on walls via brackets or hooks, then floor space is maximized, but safety issues arise when employees must lift items for customer viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded arm mechanism is designed so customers can independently lower items for viewing and raise them back without employee assistance, eliminating the safety hazard of employees lifting heavy items while maintaining wall-mounted space efficiency
4Ease of operation
If bicycles are displayed upright on stands or shelves, then visibility is improved, but stability and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Bicycles are displayed horizontally on the wall-mounted arm rather than upright on unstable stands, providing a stable supported position that prevents tipping while maintaining visibility at customer eye level when lowered
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 apparatus enhances customer and employee safety, maximizes floor space, and improves the sales experience by allowing easy access and visualization of items, increasing the likelihood of sales by enabling items to be displayed in a stable and attractive manner.
Implementation Method 1
the display arm is biased towards the raised position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a display apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus that displays large items, such as bicycles, safely and in a manner that enhances sales experience. The present invention also relates to associated kits and packages.