Product display units with hinges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional product display units deform when placed on uneven or cambered shelves, leading to sidewall deformation and 'pinch points' that hinder product movement and cause products to become stuck.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sidewall hinges with elastic legs and a base panel hinge that conform to the shelf shape, reducing deformation and maintaining track width consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the base panel is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the sidewalls remain straight and stable, but the display unit cannot adapt to uneven or cambered shelves, causing deformation and pinch points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesidewall stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to shelf shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sidewall is divided into multiple panels connected by hinges, allowing each panel to move independently and adapt to the shelf contour while maintaining overall structural integrity. The base panel is segmented into sections that can deform to match the shelf shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge connections transform the rigid sidewall into a dynamic structure that can change its configuration. The hinges allow the sidewall panels to rotate and adjust their positions, enabling the display unit to adapt to various shelf geometries while maintaining stability during product movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sidewall is made flexible to adapt to shelf shape, then the display unit can conform to uneven shelves, but the sidewall deforms and creates pinch points that hinder product movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to shelf shapeVSAvoidproduct flow reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexibility is localized to the hinge connections and base panel sections, while the sidewall panels themselves remain rigid. This allows the structure to adapt to the shelf at specific points without compromising the overall straightness and stability of the sidewalls, preventing pinch points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the sidewall hinge structure is added to reduce deformation, then the track width consistency is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack width consistencyVSAvoidhinge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure is integrated directly into the sidewall assembly, merging the connection function with the existing panel structure. This reduces the need for separate components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining track width consistency through the hinge's deformation-correcting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Minimizes sidewall deformation and prevents product sticking, ensuring smooth product flow by distributing stress through the hinges, maintaining track width and facilitating easy product movement.

Implementation Method 1

the base panel is configured to be positioned on the shelf and deform in shape to conform to the shape of the shelf

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first leg and the second leg are configured to elastically move relative to each other as the base panel applies stresses onto the sidewall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic movement: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12082713B2Product display units with hinges

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 MARMON FOODSERVICE TECH INC

AI summary

A product display unit for displaying products on a shelf includes a sidewall at least partially defining a track configured to receive products, the sidewall comprising a first panel and a second panel with a sidewall hinge therebetween. A base panel is coupled to the sidewall, and the base panel is configured to be positioned on the shelf and deform in shape to conform to the shape of the shelf. The sidewall hinge comprises a first leg and a second leg, each with an upper end and a lower end. The sidewall hinge includes an upper transition section connecting the respective upper ends of the first and second legs, a first lower transition section connecting the lower end of the first leg to the first panel, and a second lower transition section connecting the lower end of the second leg to the second panel.