Folding Display With Self-Locking Traverse Assembly for Rapid Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding displays for product samples face challenges in simplifying the assembly process and reducing handling times, leading to increased production costs and logistical complexities during transportation and setup.

Innovation Solution

An optimized folding display design featuring parallel side panels with vertical slots, articulated traverse assemblies, and an elastic traction system that allows for self-assembly without external fixing means, enabling a compact folded configuration and spontaneous expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional folding displays are used with multiple fixing means and complex assembly systems, then the structural stability and weight-bearing capacity are improved, but the assembly time and handling complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight-bearing capacityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display structure is designed to self-assemble through its own geometric configuration. The traverses with articulated end regions automatically lock into the slots of opposing side panels when the structure is expanded, eliminating the need for external fixing means such as screws, clips, or adhesive. The structure supports itself through the mechanical interlocking of its components, achieving both rapid assembly and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The display is divided into modular components: side panels with vertically spaced slots, traverses with articulated end regions, and shelf elements. Each component is independently designed and manufactured, then assembled through a simple insertion and folding process. This segmentation allows for pre-manufacturing quality control and rapid on-site assembly without complex tooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the display structure is designed for compact folding to reduce transportation volume, then the logistical efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity and difficulty of assembly increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation volumeVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traverse assemblies incorporate articulated end regions that can dynamically transition between folded and expanded configurations. The creasing lines enable the end regions to fold back against the central region during compact storage, and automatically unfold and lock into place during expansion. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve both compact transportation and stable display functions without increasing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

When folded, the articulated end regions of the traverses nest against the central region, and the traverses themselves nest within the profile of the side panels. The entire structure collapses into a compact, flat package that minimizes transportation volume. The nesting is achieved through the geometric design of the creasing lines and slot positions, requiring no additional fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple fixing means are used to secure traverses to side panels, then the structural reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

All external fixing means such as screws, clips, adhesive, and fasteners are completely removed from the design. The structural reliability is achieved solely through the geometric interlocking of the traverse end regions with the slots in the side panels. The articulated design of the traverses creates inherent mechanical engagement that provides sufficient holding force for the intended load-bearing applications without adding component complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the display is designed for easy self-assembly without external fixing means, then the assembly speed and ease of operation are improved, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated end regions of the traverses are designed with curved folding paths along the creasing lines. As the traverses unfold and engage with the slots, the curved geometry creates a mechanical camming action that progressively increases the engagement force. This geometric curvature transforms the simple insertion motion into a self-tightening mechanism that ensures robust structural connection without requiring external fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Significantly reduces handling times and production costs, providing a highly competitive and weight-resistant shelving system with simplified assembly and enhanced logistical efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic traction system that allows for self-assembly without external fixing means, enabling a compact folded configuration and spontaneous expansion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least two end regions that can be articulated by means of creasing lines; at least two end regions of each of said traverses correspondingly pass through said first facing slots or cuts of said side panels, said at least two end regions being folded by bending along said creasing lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3379979B1Optimized folding display
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 FASTER DISPLAY
  • EP3379979B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3379979B1 patent drawingFigure 7A~9C
  • EP3379979B1 patent drawingFigure 10~13

AI summary

The invention relates to an optimized folding display, comprising two facing main side panels (1, 2), a traverse assembly (3) formed by narrow and elongated rectangular boards of semi-flexible sheet material, and fixing means (11, 12, 13, 14) for keeping the traverses fixed to the outer surface of the corresponding side panel (1, 2). The traverses (3) have their planes separated a given distance, so they form an articulated rhombus which can diagonally be closed from an expanded position into a folded position. Furthermore, the display has at least one shelf element (15) located between the two side panels (1, 2) and resting flat on the traverses (3) located at a similar height, forming a shelving assembly.