Display Support Using Elastic Spacer Constraint Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information display supports for points of sale face challenges with complex manufacturing, high cost, weight issues, and reliability concerns due to the use of rubber bands for constraint and holding functions, which weaken over time and are prone to breakage under heat or UV exposure.
Innovation Solution
The use of single spacer pieces with a memory effect, such as elastic cellular material, compression springs, or flexible strips, which exert constraint and holding functions by evolving from a constrained state to a resting state, maintaining the support in an unfolded position through their elastic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If rubber bands are used for constraint and holding functions, then the support can be unfolded automatically, but the reliability deteriorates over time due to weakening and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the constraint function from rubber bands and implements it through the geometric configuration of rigid spacer pieces. The spacers are designed with specific shapes that create mechanical interference and friction forces when inserted into recesses, providing constraint without elastic materials that degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces durable but complex rubber band assemblies with simple, inexpensive rigid spacer pieces made from materials like plastic or metal. These spacers are designed as single-use or long-life components that maintain their constraint function through geometric design rather than elastic properties, eliminating the need for replacement due to material fatigue.
2Extent of automation
If rubber bands are used for constraint and holding functions, then the support can be unfolded automatically, but the device complexity increases due to two-piece assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the constraint function and the structural support function into a single component - the rigid spacer piece. Each spacer simultaneously provides mechanical constraint through its geometric shape and serves as a structural element of the display support, eliminating the need for separate rubber band assemblies and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid spacer pieces are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide mechanical constraint during unfolding, maintain the unfolded position through friction and geometric interference, and serve as structural supports for the display panels. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
3Extent of automation
If rubber bands are used for constraint and holding functions, then the support can be unfolded automatically, but the weight increases due to two-piece assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elastic material (rubber bands) from the constraint mechanism and replaces it with rigid spacer pieces made from lighter materials such as plastics or thin metals. This extraction eliminates the weight of elastic materials while maintaining the automatic unfolding function through geometric constraint mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, lightweight rigid spacer pieces instead of heavier rubber band assemblies. These spacers are designed as thin-walled or hollow structures that provide sufficient mechanical constraint with minimal material, significantly reducing the overall weight of the display support while maintaining functionality.
4Extent of automation
If rubber bands are used for constraint and holding functions, then the support can be unfolded automatically, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive rubber band assemblies with inexpensive rigid spacer pieces made from common materials like injection-molded plastics or stamped metals. These spacers can be manufactured using high-volume, low-cost processes and require minimal assembly, significantly reducing the overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the automatic unfolding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the constraint function with the structural components of the display support, eliminating the need for separate rubber band assemblies. This integration reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and flexible mechanism that maintains the support in an unfolded state without the need for manual intervention, with reduced risk of wear or breakage, ensuring consistent performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
elastic cellular material which exerts their constraint function alone, by evolving from their constrained state to their state of rest
Implementation Method 2
compression springs, or else of a flexible elastic strip, fixed to one of the two faces only
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~8
Figure 9~11
AI summary
The support includes at least one panel of a substantially rigid and foldable material comprising said display face (14). The support can be brought from a folded state into an unfolded state under the action of devices (25-27) performing their actions discretely distributed along the display face (14). Each device (25-27) comprises stressing means, for unfolding the support, and means for keeping the support in its unfolded state, the folding of the support taking place counter to the action of the stressing means of said devices (25-27). These devices (25-27) consist of single spacers fixed to at least one of the faces (15) and are arranged so as to be able to move between a stressed state, with the support in the folded state, and a rest state, in which they keep the support in the unfolded state.