Extendable Product Display Track for Variable Shelf Depths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face challenges in maximizing product visibility and space utilization in limited retail environments, as existing product display units require multiple sizes to accommodate various shelves and products, and manual repositioning of products is often necessary.
Innovation Solution
A product display unit with a base, distal section, and extension, featuring a track system and connection members that allow for adjustable length and easy engagement/disengagement, enabling flexible placement on different-sized shelves without the need for multiple display unit sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of product display units are stocked to accommodate various shelf sizes, then adaptability to different shelves is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The product display unit is divided into a base and a detachable extension section. The base contains connection members that can selectively engage with corresponding connection members on extensions of different lengths, allowing the display unit to be segmented into different configurations based on shelf space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit transitions from a fixed-size design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The extension can be attached or detached from the base depending on the shelf size, making the display unit adaptable to different retail environments without requiring multiple inventory items.
2Productivity
If manual repositioning of trailing products is performed, then product advancement is achieved, but productivity and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The product display unit is designed with an inclined track system that enables products to automatically advance from the distal end to the proximal end using gravity. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to reposition products, improving productivity and reducing time loss.
3Area of stationary object
If floor/shelf space is maximized by using compact display units, then space utilization is improved, but adaptability to various shelf sizes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is segmented into a compact base and an optional extension. This segmentation allows the base to fit on smaller shelves while the extension can be added when more space is available, maximizing space utilization across different shelf configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with universal connection members that can accommodate extensions of various lengths, making the base unit universally applicable to different shelf sizes. This multi-functionality allows a single base design to serve multiple shelf configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A product display unit. The product display unit includes a base, a distal section, and an extension. The base includes a track that defines a longitudinal axis and that is configured to support a plurality of products thereon. The distal section is configured to releasably engage a distal portion of the base. The extension is configured to selectively engage the distal portion of the base.