Fixing device and display for products with stick
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for fixing edible and non-edible products with sticks are limited in their ability to securely hold both hollow and non-hollow sticks of varying diameters, and they often require manual insertion, which is not suitable for automated processes, leading to inefficiencies and potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
A hollow body with a longitudinal cut and a detachable angular portion creates a flexible wing that allows the device to adapt to different stick diameters, providing a secure grip through elasticity, and is designed for automatic filling by incorporating a funnel-shaped mouth and made from elastic materials like polypropylene, enabling secure retention of sticks without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-adhesive coating or magnetic element is used as retention means, then the stick can be held firmly in position, but it creates an unpleasant sensation for consumers or binds the stick manufacturer to specific materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful retention means (self-adhesive coating and magnetic element) from the system. Instead of using these problematic elements, the patent employs a mechanical retention system where the hollow body's geometry and the pin work together to securely hold the stick without direct contact with the product surface, thereby eliminating the unpleasant sensation while maintaining firm retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a pin as an intermediary element between the hollow body and the stick. This pin serves as a mediator that provides secure retention through mechanical interference fit without requiring adhesive or magnetic properties that could affect the stick material or create consumer discomfort.
2Reliability
If a hollow body with pin is used to firmly fix products, then the product stability is improved, but it is suitable only for products with hollow stick
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enhances the universality of the hollow body by designing it with a longitudinal cut and an unattached portion that creates adaptability. The hollow body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the stick during insertion, and works with the pin to secure various stick types. The longitudinal cut allows the body to flex and adapt to both hollow and non-hollow sticks of different diameters, making the system universally applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamics by making a portion of the hollow body unattached to the base, allowing it to move angularly. This dynamic section can flex and adapt its position to accommodate different stick types and diameters, enabling the same structure to securely hold both hollow and non-hollow sticks while maintaining product stability.
3Reliability
If diagonal positioning of sticks in holes is used, then the product does not fall from the display, but it exposes part of the sticks and does not allow adequate dense distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional diagonal positioning in holes to a three-dimensional solution where the hollow body completely encloses the stick. By adding the depth dimension with the hollow body structure, the stick is retained securely without exposing parts of it, and multiple products can be densely arranged vertically and horizontally without interfering with each other.
4Adaptability or versatility
If vertical positioning of products is used, then edible and non-edible products can be displayed irrespective of stick type, but it occupies very large surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic, unattached portion of the hollow body allows the structure to adapt to different stick types while maintaining a compact vertical profile. This enables versatile stick type compatibility without requiring excessive surface area, as the adaptive mechanism is integrated into the vertical height of the hollow body rather than expanding the horizontal footprint.
5Reliability
If manual insertion is used to avoid breakage and incorrect insertion, then product integrity is maintained, but automated filling processes cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow body is pre-configured with the pin and longitudinal cut during manufacturing, creating a self-guiding insertion system. The pin protrudes through the base to automatically guide and position the stick during insertion, while the longitudinal cut allows the body to flex and accommodate the stick. This preliminary configuration enables automated insertion without breakage, as the structure itself provides the guidance and protection normally requiring manual intervention.
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
The device securely fixes both hollow and non-hollow sticks of various diameters, allowing for efficient automatic filling and dense product display, preventing product fall and enabling robotic handling without stick breakage.
Implementation Method 1
made from elastic materials like polypropylene, enabling secure retention of sticks
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the fixing of edible products with stick (10), constituted by a hollow body (1) having an open end (2) suitable for the insertion of the stick (10), a longitudinal cut (4) extending for the entire length of the hollow body, a base (3) at the end opposite to the open end (2), whereto the hollow body is not joined for a portion (6) which extends angularly from the longitudinal cut (4) for an extent comprised between 45° and 180°.