Universal mounting system (UMS) and method of installing thereof

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional consumer product display fixtures lack flexibility in accommodating non-standard-sized products, requiring expensive and time-consuming retrofitting and resulting in wasted display space and reduced sales due to limited shelving options.

Innovation Solution

A modular mounting system with adjustable crossbars, slideable and insertable brackets, and protractable blades that allow for easy configuration of shelving to fit various product sizes, enabling flexible display and vending of non-standard-sized products within existing display spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed shelving locations are used, then standard-sized products can be displayed, but non-standard-sized products cannot be accommodated and display space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate variable-sized shelves and non-standard-sized productsVSAvoidwasted display space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic shelving system where shelves can be vertically adjusted to different heights and horizontally repositioned along the display fixture. The mounting system includes adjustable brackets and positioning mechanisms that allow shelves to move from fixed locations to variable positions, enabling accommodation of non-standard-sized products while maximizing display space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display fixture is divided into modular components including separate mounting brackets, crossbars, and shelf units that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each shelf to be positioned separately at optimal locations based on product dimensions, transforming the rigid monolithic structure into a flexible modular system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If retrofitting is performed to install non-standard-sized shelves, then non-standard products can be displayed, but the process is expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to display non-standard-sized productsVSAvoidtime-consuming retrofitting process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pre-designed mounting system with adjustable brackets and positioning mechanisms installed during initial fixture construction. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for later retrofitting operations, as the system is already configured to accommodate variable shelf sizes and positions from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is designed with universal components that can accommodate multiple shelf configurations and product types. The adjustable brackets and standardized interfaces allow the same mounting structure to serve both standard and non-standard-sized products without requiring specialized retrofitting for different product categories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple standard fixture types are used, then various product categories can be displayed, but the complexity of adjusting shelving locations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to display various product categoriesVSAvoidcomplexity in providing means to quickly adjust shelving locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal mounting system design that can be applied across all display fixture types. The standardized brackets, crossbars, and shelf interfaces create a common adjustment mechanism that works regardless of the specific fixture category, reducing the need for type-specific adjustment procedures and simplifying the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system utilizes standardized parameters and dimensions for brackets, spacing, and positioning that remain consistent across different fixture types. This standardization allows for quick adjustment by changing only the shelf position parameters rather than reconfiguring the entire mounting system, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10306981B2Universal mounting system (UMS) and method of installing thereof

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

The mounting system include at least one first crossbar, at least one first horizontally-slideable bracket on the first crossbar, and a first support bracket and a second support bracket on ends of the first crossbar. The first and second support brackets are configured to attach the first crossbar to respective first and second vertical uprights of a consumer product display. The support brackets each include a major body, a first engaging structure and a second engaging structure on ends of the major body. The first and second engaging structures are configured to respectively connect to a front set of teeth and a back set of teeth positioned along a longitudinal length of each of the first and second vertical uprights. The method includes installing the mounting system on vertical uprights on the consumer product display.