Collapsible display unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retail display fixtures are not easily collapsible for storage and reuse, limiting their versatility and efficiency in seasonal product displays.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible display unit design featuring a base panel with lengthwise hinges and slots, and side panels with perpendicular hinges and tabs that allow for secure assembly and easy folding into a flat configuration for storage, using durable materials like high-density polyethylene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If display fixtures are designed to be easily collapsible for storage, then storage efficiency and reuse capability are improved, but structural integrity and stability during display are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollapsibility for storageVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The display fixture is divided into multiple panels connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented for collapse while maintaining integrity during display. Each panel can be independently folded along hinge lines without compromising the overall structural strength when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure through the implementation of hinges and tabs. The hinges enable controlled movement and folding, while tabs provide adjustable positioning to maintain structural integrity in the displayed state while allowing collapse for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If display fixtures use permanent attachment methods, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly for storage is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Tabs are pre-formed on the panels with predetermined geometries that guide their insertion into corresponding slots. This preliminary preparation allows for quick assembly without complex fastening operations, while the tab-slot connection provides stable structural attachment during display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tab-slot connection system allows for easy disassembly where tabs are removed from slots without damaging the panels. The panels can be easily separated, folded, and recovered for storage, then reassembled when needed, maintaining both stability during use and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS10602860B2Collapsible display unit

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 TARGET BRANDS INC

AI summary

A collapsible display unit includes a first tab protruding from a free edge of a first widthwise sidewall that is insertable into a slot in a base panel. A second tab protrudes from a free edge of an opposing second widthwise sidewall that is insertable into a slot in the base panel. A hinge in the base panel extends lengthwise between two free edges and through a center of the base panel. A hinge in the first widthwise sidewall extends between two free edges and through a center of the first widthwise sidewall. A hinge in the second widthwise sidewall extends between two free edges and through a center of the second widthwise sidewall. The first lengthwise sidewall has opposing end flaps that remain affixed to portions of the widthwise sidewalls for configuration between assembled and collapsed configurations.