Modular Merchandise Display with Adjustable Wall and Pawl Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing variety of packaged merchandise with different dimensions poses challenges for effective display and dispensing at point-of-purchase sites, requiring improved organization, ease of selection, and simplified accommodation of items of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus with a track member, pusher, slots, wall members with tenons, and a pawl arrangement that allows for easy assembly and adjustment to accommodate packages of different dimensions, facilitating compact transport and efficient display and dispensing at point-of-purchase locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed display and dispensing apparatus is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate merchandise packages of different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into modular components including a base unit, vertical support members, horizontal shelf members, and adjustable display units. Each component can be independently configured to accommodate different merchandise dimensions, allowing the system to adapt without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable shelves, adjustable display angles, and repositionable support members. These dynamic features enable the same apparatus structure to adapt to various merchandise package dimensions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a customized apparatus is designed for each merchandise dimension, then the accommodation precision is high, but the device complexity and number of component parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs universal components with standardized interfaces that can serve multiple functions. For example, the vertical support members can accommodate different shelf positions and angles, while the base unit can support various configurations of display members, eliminating the need for dimension-specific custom parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows adjustment of key parameters such as shelf height, display angle, and component spacing to precisely accommodate different merchandise dimensions. This parametric adjustability provides manufacturing precision equivalent to customized designs while using the same set of standard components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustable apparatus is used to accommodate various dimensions, then the adaptability is high, but the ease of assembly and erection at the site is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the apparatus into pre-assembled modular units with standardized connection interfaces, the system maintains high adaptability while simplifying on-site assembly. Each module can be independently handled and connected, reducing assembly complexity compared to a fully integrated adjustable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates self-aligning features and tool-free adjustment mechanisms that enable easy assembly and reconfiguration by non-experts. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows components to self-align during assembly, reducing the skill level and time required for erection while preserving full adjustability capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular apparatus with many components is used, then the adaptability increases, but the transport cost and packaging complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus design combines multiple functional elements into integrated modular units that maintain adaptability while reducing the total number of separate components. For example, vertical support members integrate multiple attachment points and adjustment mechanisms into single components, and base units combine stabilization and configuration features, reducing transport packaging requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular apparatus is erected from a kit of component parts to provide for displaying and dispensing selected merchandise at a point-of-purchase placed at a selected site. The merchandise is in the form of packages of selected dimensions to be arranged serially along the apparatus. The kit facilitates transport to the site and erection of the apparatus on-site to accommodate the packages of selected width. Adjustment of the apparatus to the dimensions of the packages is accomplished during erection of the apparatus at the selected site by movement of wall members of the apparatus into guiding juxtaposition with the packages. Rack and pawl arrangements integral with the wall members enable ease of assembly while attaining and maintaining accurate on-site adjustment.