Collapsible Clothing Display Fixture With Offset Hinge Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail display fixtures lack collapsibility, leading to inefficient storage and shipping due to bulky designs, and often compromise stability with complex mechanisms or loose parts when attempting to fold down.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible retail display fixture using angled or rotating hinges to fold vertical support posts without intersection, integrated peg systems for accessory attachment, and a horizontal crossbar for stability and space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If vertical support posts are folded down to collapse the fixture, then storage and shipping efficiency is improved, but the vertical components collide with one another due to symmetrical design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the hinges from the central axis of the vertical support posts. This asymmetric hinge positioning causes the posts to fold along divergent paths rather than colliding in the center, effectively resolving the collision problem while maintaining compact folding capability for efficient storage and shipping.
2Ease of operation
If complicated telescoping mechanisms or hinges are added to avoid collision, then the collision problem is solved, but the stability of the assembled fixture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the folding function from the support function by using simple hinges attached to the base rather than complex mechanisms integrated into the support posts themselves. This segmentation allows the posts to maintain their structural integrity and stability when assembled, while the separate hinge components enable easy folding without compromising the overall fixture stability.
3Ease of operation
If hinges or clasps are added to the support posts to prevent collision, then collision is avoided, but the support posts become less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the folding mechanism from the vertical support posts themselves and relocates it to the base level through attached hinges. This extraction allows the support posts to remain as simple, strong, collision-free structural elements while the folding function is handled by the base-mounted hinges, preserving the full strength and stability of the support posts.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention comprises a collapsible display fixture that includes a base, two vertical support posts that can accept vertical display panels, a horizontal crossbar and hinge that connects each vertical support post to the base. The hinge may be one of two forms, either a hinge with an axis of rotation at an angle of 2-6 degrees, or preferably 3 degrees, or a hinge with a rotatable base that allows the hinge to be rotated 2-6 degrees, or preferably 3 degrees. These hinges allow the vertical support posts to be folded down without intersecting or contacting one another. The vertical display panels integrate an internal pin system, whether the panel is solid or a combination of two laminated layers, such that the pins are accessible from the outside to accept hangers, pins, pegs, hooks or other display accessories.