Modular display and dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail sales counters face challenges in displaying and dispensing a variety of high-value items like lottery tickets in a compact, aesthetically pleasing, and secure manner while ensuring easy setup, removal, and efficient power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular display and dispensing assembly that distributes low-voltage power to a matrix of modules, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, secure mounting, and aesthetically pleasing illumination, with each module capable of receiving power independently and being easily removed for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display modules are assembled into a matrix configuration, then the display capacity and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and power distribution difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into multiple independent modules, each with its own power input capability. Each module can be individually connected to power sources through the connector circuits on the basal construct, eliminating the need for complex centralized power distribution across the entire matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The basal construct serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the matrix configuration, houses the connector circuits for power distribution, and enables both individual and collective power connection. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the display modules are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural stability and security may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into detachable modules that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each module maintains structural integrity through standardized connector designs that ensure stable connections during operation while allowing quick reconfiguration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are designed to nest together in a matrix configuration on the basal construct, creating a stable combined structure when assembled. The nested arrangement provides structural support and stability while maintaining the ability to easily disassemble by simply separating the modular components.
3Reliability
If low-voltage power is distributed to each module independently, then the reliability and aesthetic illumination are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power distribution is segmented into individual module-level connections rather than a complex centralized system. Each module has its own connector circuit that independently receives low-voltage power, ensuring reliable operation while keeping the connector design standardized and relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is self-sufficient in terms of power reception, with its own connector circuit that directly connects to power sources. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex inter-module power routing while ensuring reliable power distribution and aesthetic illumination across all modules.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the display is designed to be compact and secure for high-value items, then the protection capability is improved, but the display versatility and ease of removal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The secure display system is divided into modular units that can be individually secured to the basal construct. Each module maintains security for high-value items while the modular nature allows flexible reconfiguration and easy removal of entire sections without compromising the security of remaining modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Modules are nested together in a compact matrix configuration that maximizes security through unified mounting to the basal construct. The nested design allows the entire secure display to be compact while maintaining the ability to easily remove and reconfigure individual modules or groups of modules as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular display and dispensing assembly and method distribute low-voltage power to a low-voltage electrical display feature at each of a plurality of display and dispensing modules arranged in a matrix and placed upon a substrate for display of items to be dispensed. A sub-base is secured to the substrate at a desired, prescribed display and dispensing location, while a main base is selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the sub-base. A plurality of electrical contact points in both the sub-base and main base enables the sub-base to remain securely mounted upon the substrate and connected to a source of low-voltage power while allowing selective uncoupling of the main base from the sub-base for ready removal of the matrix from the substrate for safe storage, without disturbing the secure placement of the sub-base at the desired prescribed display and dispensing location or the connection to the source of low-voltage power.