Display bar assembly and mounting bracket for merchandising displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display bar assemblies for cantilever-mounted trays are inadequate for handling heavier merchandise loads, leading to structural weaknesses and increased costs due to the need for more robust materials and tighter dimensional tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The design features improved mounting brackets with hooks positioned within the bracket plane, a rectangular tubular bar configuration, and a resilient flanged retaining plug with friction fins to enhance load-bearing capacity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laterally offset mounting hooks are used in brackets, then two bars can be set at the same level in axial alignment, but the hooks become a weak point under heavier loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the mounting hooks from a lateral offset position to the primary plane of the bracket, eliminating the weak point. Simultaneously, a narrow lateral offset is created by surrounding the bar opening, which provides the necessary alignment function without compromising structural integrity. This dimensional repositioning allows the hooks to bear heavy loads while maintaining bar alignment capability.
2Strength
If 13 gauge square steel tubing is used instead of 16 gauge, then load-bearing capacity increases, but cost and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the tubular bar from a one-inch square configuration to a rectangular configuration of one inch width by approximately one and one-half inches height. This parameter change allows the use of lighter 16 gauge steel while maintaining or improving load-bearing capacity due to the optimized rectangular geometry, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and tolerance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining the rectangular tubular bar with specifically designed mounting brackets featuring a narrow lateral offset surrounding the opening. This composite design creates a synergistic system where the rectangular bar geometry works together with the bracket offset to provide both structural strength and alignment functionality, eliminating the need for heavier gauge materials.
3Ease of operation
If flanged retaining plugs are positioned with lateral offset, then bar alignment is facilitated, but the exposed portions project beyond mounting hooks creating aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by repositioning the flanged retaining plugs from a laterally offset position to the primary plane of the bracket. The narrow lateral offset surrounding the bar opening provides the necessary alignment function while allowing the plugs to be recessed, eliminating the projection beyond mounting hooks and achieving a cleaner aesthetic appearance.
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 provides a robust and cost-effective display bar assembly capable of handling heavier loads without the need for expensive, high-tolerance materials, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient flanged retaining plug with friction fins to enhance load-bearing capacity
Data Source
AI summary
An improved display bar assembly, for the cantilever support of product dispensing trays. A rectangular display bar, is supported by spaced apart, flat mounting brackets on which mounting hooks are located in the primary plane of the bracket, and openings for reception of the display bar are offset axially inward from that plane enabling the recessed accommodation of flanged retaining plugs at opposite ends of the bar. The flanges of the retaining plugs have axially extending abutment walls which overlap outer walls of the display bar and engage offset surfaces of the bracket. The abutment walls overlap display bar walls on two opposing sides only, enabling the retaining plugs to be molded with transverse friction fins. This in turn enables the use of readily available, inexpensive grades of light gauge (e.g., 16 gauge) steel tubing of greater height than width (e.g., 1×1.5 inch) for the display bars.