Collapsible Disc Signage Assembly for Compact Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display signs, especially three-dimensional hanging signs, face challenges in shipping due to oversized package requirements, leading to high costs and limited size options, and often require complex assembly, which hinders their widespread use in retail environments.
Innovation Solution
A signage assembly comprising a frame structure with pivotally connected disc supports and a flexible placard structure, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, using slidable connections and foldable components to form a cylindrical configuration, which can be shipped in smaller parts and assembled efficiently at the point of sale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If three-dimensional hanging signs are pre-assembled, then assembly ease is improved, but shipping costs increase due to oversized package requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sign structure is divided into multiple collapsible panels that can be folded flat for shipping and easily assembled at the point of sale. Each panel can be independently folded into a compact configuration, reducing the overall shipping footprint while maintaining the ability to form a complete three-dimensional display when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign panels are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with smaller panels fitting inside the structure of larger panels. This nesting arrangement maximizes space efficiency during shipping, allowing multiple sign components to be stored in a compact configuration that minimizes packaging volume and associated shipping costs.
2Area of stationary object
If sign panel size is increased to provide large presence in store, then visual display impact is improved, but shipping costs increase due to oversized package surcharges
Solution Approach 1:
The sign structure incorporates movable and collapsible elements that allow the panels to transition between a compact folded state for shipping and an expanded state for display. The panels can be folded flat or at angles to reduce the overall dimensions during transport, eliminating oversized package surcharges, while still providing large visual impact when assembled in the store environment.
3Strength
If complex assembly procedures are used to achieve difficult manipulation of attachment locations, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of assembly worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sign assembly incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that allow the panels to automatically find their correct positions and lock into place during assembly. The attachment mechanisms are designed to engage automatically when panels are brought together, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or specialized tools while maintaining strong structural connections.
4Loss of energy
If predetermined packaging dimensions are strictly followed to avoid surcharges, then shipping costs are reduced, but adaptability of sign size and shape is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sign structure utilizes adjustable parameters including fold angles, panel orientations, and connection point positions that allow the same basic design to be configured in multiple size and shape variations. By changing these parameters, the sign can be adapted to different store requirements and packaging constraints without requiring completely different designs, maintaining both cost-effectiveness and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A signage assembly is provided comprising a frame structure including a top disc, a bottom disc, and a plurality of elongated disc supports extending between the top and bottom discs. Each of the top and bottom discs include first and second disc halves connected at disc-half edges to form the top and bottom discs as respective disc assemblies. A hinge connection pivotally connects each of the disc supports to at least one of the top and bottom discs. A flexible placard structure is attached to the frame structure surrounding an outer periphery of the top and bottom discs.