Display devices and methods for using same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vending machine labeling methods are static and inefficient, failing to effectively display both caloric and pricing information as required by new FDA regulations.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible display assembly with hinged panels and protrusions, allowing for dynamic configuration to display caloric and pricing information, featuring a display panel with stickers or labels for customizable content, and a method for assembling and using the display system within vending machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static labeling methods are used in vending machines, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are insufficient to display both caloric and pricing information dynamically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay flexibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display assembly incorporates living hinges that enable the panels to dynamically change configuration between flat and folded states, allowing the same structure to adapt between displaying caloric information and pricing information without requiring multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible display assembly serves multiple functions: it can display caloric information when folded flat against the product, and display pricing information when unfolded, making a single structure universal for different information display needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic display configurations are implemented, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases due to hinged connections and protrusions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The display assembly is segmented into multiple panels connected by living hinges, with protrusions on specific panels that engage with corresponding features during assembly, allowing modular construction while maintaining dynamic functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The living hinges and protrusions are designed to self-align and self-assemble during the manufacturing process, reducing the need for complex external assembly equipment and procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11276332B2Display devices and methods for using same

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 VENDII LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are display devices and systems including a collapsible display assembly: the assembly having a plurality of panels having a predetermined area and thickness, the plurality of panels connected using a plurality of living hinges; a plurality of posts connected to at least one panel; a plurality of protrusions disposed on at least one surface of at least one panel, the protrusions configured to limit a range of motion of at least one living hinge. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed display devices and systems, for example, to display information in a vending machine, such as pricing and/or caloric information.