Modular Hanging Plant Support Frame for Stable Retail Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face challenges in displaying hanging plants efficiently and attractively due to the size and bulk of hanging baskets, which limits stability and requires heavy, unattractive, and difficult-to-clean shelving units that are prone to water damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular support structure with triangular frames, clamping sites, and mounting members made of integrally formed molded plastic, featuring elongate support members and friction-fit connections to secure rods, providing stability and ease of assembly while being water-resistant and easy to clean.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional benches or tables are used to display hanging plants, then the structure can support the weight of plants, but the structure becomes heavy, unattractive, and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate modular components including base portions, upright members, and shelf assemblies that can be independently cleaned and reassembled. This segmentation allows each component to be easily wiped down without disassembling the entire structure, resolving the contradiction between providing strong support and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs smooth, non-porous surface coatings on the support structure components that prevent water absorption and facilitate easy wiping. These surface treatments create a protective film that resists water damage while allowing quick cleaning, addressing both the strength requirement and ease of cleaning requirement.
2Strength
If heavy shelving construction is used to support the bulk and weight of live plants, then the structure can bear the load, but the structure becomes difficult to clean and prone to water damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes composite construction combining corrosion-resistant metals with water-resistant protective coatings. This composite approach maintains the structural strength needed to support heavy plants while the coating layer provides protection against water damage, eliminating the need for heavy construction that would be difficult to clean.
Solution Approach 2:
A water-resistant protective film or coating is applied to the support structure surfaces, creating a barrier that prevents water penetration and damage. This thin protective layer maintains structural integrity while enabling easy cleaning and preventing water-related deterioration.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple hanging baskets are displayed above shelving units to maximize selling space, then selling space is increased, but the stability of the overall shelving unit is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging plant display system is segmented into independent modular units that can be attached at various heights and positions. Each module is self-supported and can be independently adjusted, allowing multiple baskets to be displayed without compromising the stability of the main shelving structure. The modular design distributes weight evenly and allows flexible configuration to maintain stability while maximizing selling space.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple benches or tables are constructed from available materials, then the structure can be easily manufactured, but the structure becomes heavy and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a set of standardized modular components that can be manufactured using simple, repeatable processes. Each segment is designed for ease of fabrication while the overall assembly creates an attractive, professional appearance. The modular nature allows complex-looking structures to be built from simple, easily manufactured parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal connection mechanisms and standardized component designs that can be manufactured once and reused across multiple assemblies. This universality simplifies the manufacturing process while the consistent, standardized design elements contribute to an attractive and professional appearance, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and aesthetic quality.
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 support structure allows for efficient and attractive display of multiple hanging plants by ensuring stability and ease of assembly, while being durable and resistant to water damage, thus enhancing retail display capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting members of the frames are connected to the upper ends of the elongate support members by friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for hanging plants. The support structure includes a plurality of frames having a plurality of clamping sites formed thereon and a plurality of mounting members formed thereon. A plurality of rods are supported by the frames for suspending the hanging plants therefrom, wherein at least two frames support each rod. A plurality of clamping members are connectable to a respective clamping site for securing the rods to the frames. The frames are supported by a base portion, wherein a plurality of elongate support members extend between the base portion and the frames to hold the frames above the base portion.