Grooved Display Element for Shopping Cart Handle Information Carrier

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display elements on shopping cart push handles face challenges in securely and easily inserting flat information carriers, particularly due to inclined and curved surfaces that cause slipping and require manual handling, making the process time-consuming and difficult.

Innovation Solution

A display element with a groove that securely holds the information carrier's edge through frictional connection, allowing it to be positioned and fixed without manual holding, and a cover that guides the carrier into place during closure, enabling hands-free operation and faster insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the display element has an inclined and curved support surface for the information carrier, then the information is positioned in the best possible way in the customer's field of vision, but the information carrier easily slips and requires manual holding during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of informationVSAvoidease of inserting information carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flat insertion surface as an intermediary between the curved support surface and the information carrier. This flat surface provides a stable platform for positioning the information carrier during insertion, preventing it from slipping on the curved surface, while the curved support surface remains intact for optimal visibility when the cover is closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the cover is designed as a simple plug connection for easy detachment, then the cover can be easily detached for personnel to exchange the information carrier, but the information carrier may slip or fall out without adequate securing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of detaching coverVSAvoidsecurity of information carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cover structure into functional segments: a detachable cover body for easy access and a fixed curved support surface for secure positioning. The groove in the base body further segments the securing function, creating multiple zones that work together to prevent slipping while maintaining easy cover removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the display element provides sufficient space for advertising, then the display element can be significantly larger than the actual handle area, but this increases the overall size and may interfere with handle grip areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidgrip availability on handle
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by inclining the information carrier at an angle, allowing the display area to extend upward rather than outward. This dimensional approach maximizes the visible display area while keeping the horizontal footprint compact, preserving grip areas on the handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution ensures secure and easy insertion of information carriers, eliminating slipping issues and reducing the time required for replacement, while maintaining a clear and secure presentation.

Implementation Method 1

The adhesion is generated by clamping the information carrier between the two side walls of the groove. The frictional connection between the groove and the information carrier ensures that it can no longer slip once it has been positioned in the groove.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2912654B1Display element for displaying information on a push handle
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 WIETH FRANZ
  • EP2912654B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a display element (1) for displaying information on a push handle (3) of a supermarket trolley that can be pushed by hand. The display element (1) comprises a main body (4) having a region (5) which is covered by a transparent cover separably mounted on the main body (4). A two-dimensional information medium (12) can be arranged between the main body (4) and the cover, wherein the main body (4) comprises a groove (8) into which one end edge (11) of the information medium (12) can be inserted and the inserted end edge (11) is retained in the groove (8) by friction locking.