Foldable Display Mount with Stiffeners for Protective Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing merchandise storage and display solutions for protective cases of portable electronic devices are costly to produce due to the need for custom molds for various sizes, and they often restrict customer interaction by not allowing easy access to the case's sidewalls or requiring loose packaging.
Innovation Solution
A foldable merchandise storage and display mount formed from a flat blank that can be erected by folding and gluing, featuring internal stiffeners and a design that mimics the dimensions of a portable electronic device, allowing the protective case to be removably and replaceably displayed, and adaptable for use with different packaging options without requiring new molds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom molds are used for different case sizes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple different protective case sizes through a single standardized design. The support includes a recess that can frictionally receive various case dimensions, eliminating the need for separate custom molds for each case size while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from creating different physical molds for each case size to using parameter adjustments within a single support design. The support structure allows for frictional engagement with varying case dimensions through controlled clearance and surface geometry, enabling one mold to produce supports that adapt to multiple case parameters.
2Reliability
If a formed recess with frictional engagement is used, then reliability of case retention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as customers cannot touch sidewalls without removing the case
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a frictional engagement recess for secure case retention, and accessible sidewall portions that extend beyond the recess. This segmentation allows the case to be held reliably in the recess while customers can still touch and feel the exposed sidewalls without removing the case.
Solution Approach 2:
The support acts as an intermediary between the case and the display surface. It provides frictional engagement to secure the case while simultaneously presenting accessible sidewalls to customers. The support mediates between the conflicting requirements of secure retention and customer accessibility, allowing both functions to coexist.
3Ease of operation
If loose packaging is used, then ease of operation is improved for customer interaction, but reliability deteriorates as the case may not be securely held
Solution Approach 1:
The support applies local quality by providing frictional engagement only in specific areas where the case contacts the recess, while leaving other areas (sidewalls) accessible and non-restrictive. This localized frictional engagement secures the case where needed without restricting customer access to other portions of the case.
4Ease of manufacture
If the mount is made from foldable material, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strength may deteriorate compared to molded solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The support utilizes composite construction by combining foldable paperboard material with strategic structural design elements including flutes, scores, and fold lines. This composite approach allows the relatively weak paperboard material to achieve the strength and rigidity needed for durable case support while maintaining the manufacturing advantages of foldable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable material is pre-formed with scored lines, flutes, and adhesive application areas before final assembly. This preliminary action prepares the material to achieve its final strong, rigid configuration through simple folding and gluing operations, enabling ease of manufacture without sacrificing strength in the finished product.
Data Source
AI summary
A merchandise storage and display mount includes a support that fits within a recess of the merchandise to be stored and displayed. The merchandise can be a five-sided protective case for a hand-held electronic device. The case defines an recess that receives a portion of the mount. The mount is formed from a foldable material and can be erected from a flat blank by folding the material and gluing at selected locations. The mount includes stiffeners that add durability to the mount. The mount is durable and can be used in combination with different merchandise storage devices.