Convex Display Support Structure for Stable Insert Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display unit supports for points of sale (PSA) face challenges in maintaining the correct height and horizontal position of display faces due to the limited length of retaining inserts, which can lead to buckling and jamming issues with elastic bands.
Innovation Solution
The display unit support features inserts with lengths equal to the distance between the lateral edges of the sheet, interacting with elastic bands that exert both horizontal and vertical forces to maintain the inserts' position, using trapezoidal or triangular elastic connections and cut-outs to prevent jamming and ensure correct positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retaining inserts have a length less than the distance between lateral edges of the sheet, then the elastic bands can be retained by flaps, but the inserts become fragile with risk of buckling and the inserts cannot maintain correct height
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining insert is divided into two functional zones: a reinforced terminal portion with flaps for elastic band retention, and a longer slender portion extending to the sheet edge for height maintenance. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert exhibits local quality variation through its dual-structure design: the terminal portion has increased stiffness and width to handle retention forces, while the extended portion maintains appropriate flexibility for height positioning. This localized structural differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength requirements and flexibility needs.
2Reliability
If flaps are provided for passage and retention of elastic bands, then the elastic bands can be fixed to terminal fixing portions, but the flaps stiffen the terminal portions making the rest of the inserts fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is segmented into a reinforced terminal portion containing the flaps for elastic band retention, and a separate extended slender portion for height maintenance. This segmentation isolates the stiffness requirement to the terminal portion only, preventing the entire insert from becoming fragile.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal portion is locally reinforced with flaps and increased width to provide the necessary stiffness for elastic band retention, while the extended portion beyond the terminal region maintains appropriate flexibility. This local quality differentiation allows the insert to be stiff where needed without compromising overall strength.
3Device complexity
If the inserts have reduced length, then the device is simpler, but the problem of keeping inserts at correct height and horizontal position is not resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is segmented into a terminal fixing portion and an extended slender portion, where the extended portion's increased length provides the necessary leverage and structural support to maintain correct height and horizontal positioning of the display face, while the terminal portion handles the retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended slender portion of the insert acts as an intermediary element that transmits and distributes forces between the terminal fixing portion and the sheet edge, enabling precise height and position control without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If elastic means exert only horizontal constraining force, then the structure is simpler, but the inserts cannot maintain correct height and horizontal position in the convex state
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are configured to exert forces in multiple dimensions: horizontal constraining force to maintain insert positioning, and vertical forces in opposite directions to maintain the display face in the correct convex state. This multi-dimensional force application resolves the positioning precision requirement without adding complex mechanisms.
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
This design ensures the display unit is easily deployable and maintainable, preventing buckling and jamming, while keeping the inserts at the correct height, enhancing the stability and usability of the display unit.
Implementation Method 1
elastic return and constraint means for making the display face of the sheet convex
Data Source
AI summary
The support comprises at least one sheet (2) of a substantially rigid and foldable material having a display face (3), elastic return and constraint bands (44) for making the display face of the sheet convex, and a plurality of inserts (18-20) for keeping the display face of the sheet in the convex state, opposing the elastic constraint bands, and exerting their force in a discretely distributed way along the display face of the sheet. The inserts (18-20) have a length equal to the distance between the two lateral edges (8, 9) of the sheet (2), in its convex state, the sheet being extended by two sets of lateral tabs (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) intended to form two sets of dihedrals for receiving the inserts, the elastic bands (44) interacting with the inserts and the tabs (12-17) and exerting, in addition to their horizontal constraint force, vertical forces in opposite directions (49, 50) to keep the inserts at the correct height in the convex state of the display face.