Snap-In Card Riser Hook Lock for Thin Display Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional greeting card display modules are difficult to mount and remove, and they are expensive due to the thickness of materials used in their manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A snap-in card top riser with a hook profile that compresses as it engages with tabs in a channel, locking into place and allowing for thinner, more cost-efficient display modules that can hold multiple risers and cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal frames and thick plastic sections are used in display modules, then structural strength and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and material thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from thick metal and plastic to thin molded plastic with specific gauge thickness (0.032 to 0.040 inches), achieving structural adequacy through optimized material selection and design rather than increased thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The display module is segmented into distinct functional components: a separate molded plastic frame, channel members, risers, and shelf supports, each optimized for its specific function. This allows thin materials to be used effectively in each component rather than requiring thick materials throughout the entire structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional molded plastic sections are used in display modules, then structural stability is improved, but ease of mounting and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, reversible connection mechanisms through snap-fit joints and removable channel members. The risers can be inserted and secured into channels, and shelves can be mounted and removed from risers, providing structural stability during use while enabling easy reconfiguration and removal when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mounting function into separate, removable components (channel members with tabs, risers with engagement features) rather than creating a permanent monolithic structure. This allows the display module to achieve stability through assembled components while maintaining ease of disassembly
3Strength
If thick materials are used in display modules and risers, then structural strength is improved, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes material thickness parameters to the minimum required for structural adequacy (0.032 to 0.040 inches for plastic components), achieving strength through improved design and material selection rather than increased thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining molded plastic frame material with metal fasteners (screws, bolts) and rigid shelf support materials, creating a composite structure that achieves high strength with thin individual components rather than requiring thick single-material sections
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 reduces material thickness by 30% in display modules and 40% in risers, making them easier to manufacture and assemble, while maintaining stability and card storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The hook profile compresses as it is engaging with the tabs, and returns to its original position or shape once it is substantially received into the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A snap-in card top riser is provided having a riser and a display module. The riser has a hook profile that is adapted to be received into a channel on the display module so that the riser is secured to the display module in a manner that restricts removal of the riser from the display module. The channel has one or more tabs that are configured to cause the hook profile to compress while the tabs are engaging with the hook profile. The hook profile, once fully received into the channel, returns to an original or uncompressed position to prevent removal of the hook profile from the channel.