Modular Display Insert Structure for Mixed Card Case Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display cases for collectibles like cards lack uniformity in size, making it difficult to display items graded by different companies, and existing display solutions do not offer modular and secure options for multiple items of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A display system comprising a base with cavities and protrusions, removable inserts with exterior lips and interior chambers, and cases held by retainers, allowing for secure and modular display of items of different sizes using interchangeable inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cases of different sizes are used to accommodate cases from different grading companies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple cavity sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The display base is divided into multiple cavities of different sizes, each cavity being a separate segment that can independently accommodate cases of corresponding sizes. This segmentation allows the system to handle various case sizes without requiring a completely different display structure for each size category.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cavity is designed with universal features including protrusions for securing inserts, finger releases for easy removal, and the ability to accommodate different insert types. This multi-functionality allows the same cavity structure to serve multiple purposes across different case sizes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If inserts are made removable to allow easy insertion and removal of cases, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential loss of inserts or cases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are pre-positioned in the cavities to engage with the inserts before the cases are fully inserted. This preliminary engagement action ensures that cases are securely held in place from the moment they are placed in the display, preventing accidental loss while still allowing intentional removal through the finger releases.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserts act as intermediary components between the fixed cavities and the removable cases. They provide a secure connection mechanism through the protrusion-retainer interface, ensuring cases remain reliably attached during normal handling while allowing controlled removal when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If centering features are added to ensure proper positioning of cases within cavities, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering function is merged into the existing protrusion structure. The same protrusions that secure the inserts also serve as centering features by engaging with corresponding features on the inserts and cases. This combination eliminates the need for separate centering mechanisms, achieving precise positioning without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a display for an item such as a card, and can have a base with at least one cavity. Each cavity can have protrusions and finger releases, and can removably receive an insert. The insert has exterior walls with an external perimeter lip and an interior chamber. The perimeter lip of the insert is releasably held by the protrusions of the base cavity. The interior chamber of the insert has retainers. The retainers releasably hold a case that is inserted into the interior chamber. The interior chamber dimensions are selected to accommodate specific sized cases. Regardless of the interior chamber dimensions, all inserts preferably have the same external wall dimensions. A cover can optionally be provided as either an integrated component with the insert or as separate component.