Display Cradle with Biased Gates for Stable Container Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional displays for beverage containers are inefficient in space utilization, require long lengths to stock an adequate supply, and are prone to toppling, which can block subsequent containers from being displayed and merchandised.
Innovation Solution
A display cradle with sloping shelves and biased gates that allow containers to roll down and exit through a controlled channel, preventing subsequent containers from entering until the previous ones have been removed, and using ramps to manage momentum and prevent falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers are arranged upright in rows on an inclined shelf, then containers can be displayed and accessed from the front, but the display requires considerable length to stock an adequate supply of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal row arrangement to vertical stacking arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase storage capacity. Containers are stacked one above another in columns instead of being arranged in horizontal rows, allowing adequate supply to be achieved without increasing display length.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is divided into multiple levels or tiers with intermediate shelves that create separate storage zones. Each level can independently display and dispense containers, effectively segmenting the storage function across vertical space rather than requiring a single long horizontal arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If containers are positioned vertically on an inclined shelf, then containers can slide forward for easy access, but containers may topple during loading, sliding, or removal
Solution Approach 1:
Biasing elements (springs, elastomers, or gravity-biased mechanisms) are pre-installed on the inclined shelf to automatically apply stabilizing force to containers as they are loaded. This preliminary action ensures containers remain stable during the entire dispensing cycle without requiring manual intervention or perfect loading technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined shelf design incorporates friction surfaces and biasing elements that provide continuous stabilizing force to containers before they can topple. This beforehand cushioning prevents toppling during loading, sliding, or removal by maintaining controlled contact and force balance throughout the container's journey down the incline.
3Volume of stationary object
If containers are stacked horizontally in a compact arrangement, then space utilization increases, but airflow for cooling may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate shelves are designed with selective permeability or open structures in specific locations to allow airflow passage. Rather than uniformly blocking airflow across the entire storage volume, the design creates localized airflow channels that maintain cooling efficiency while achieving compact horizontal stacking.
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
Increases the storage and display capacity of containers in a standard refrigeration unit, reducing restocking frequency and preventing toppling, while maintaining efficient airflow for cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The biased gates on the bottom shelf and the one or more intermediate shelves pivot under the weight of a container
Implementation Method 2
The bottom shelf and at least one intermediate shelf slope downwards from the rear end of the display cradle to the front end of the display cradle
Data Source
AI summary
A display cradle for storing and dispensing containers such as beverage cans and bottles. Containers are loaded from the rear of the display cradle onto shelves sloping downward from the back of the display cradle to the front of the display cradle. The bottom shelf of the display cradle includes an exit port at the front of the assembly, allowing containers to be removed from the display cradle. The display cradle includes an exit channel between a front wall and the front end of the shelves where the containers from each shelf drop through towards the exit port. A gate at the front end of each shelf pivots under the weight of the containers, allowing the front-most container on each shelf to enter the exit channel while preventing subsequent containers from entering the exit channel. When the containers have exited the exit channel, the biased gate tilts back allowing the next container on each shelf to repeat the sequence. The biased gates on each shelf may operate in unison with each other.