Modular Cylindrical Product Display With Stackable Basket Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display units for cylindrical products like confectionary tubes face challenges with filling, product retrieval, accommodating diverse products, and efficient use of space, as they are not modular or adaptable.

Innovation Solution

A modular display unit composed of stackable basket-like elements with a conical central tubular body and a corrugated shell, allowing easy filling and retrieval of products, and enabling organized 360° display of diverse items within limited dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional display units are used for cylindrical products, then they can hold products, but filling and retrieval operations are difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of filling and retrievalVSAvoidtime for filling and retrieval operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit is divided into multiple modular elements that can be independently handled. Each element contains a specific number of seats (e.g., 6 seats per element), allowing operators to fill and retrieve products in manageable portions rather than handling the entire display unit at once. This segmentation directly improves ease of operation and reduces time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a vertical stacking dimension by arranging modular elements in columns and rows. Elements are stackable vertically to form multi-level display units, transforming a single-plane storage system into a three-dimensional structure. This allows products to be accessed from multiple levels simultaneously, improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed display units are used, then they provide stable structure, but they cannot adapt to various product quantities and types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various product quantities and typesVSAvoidcomplexity of modular assembly system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular elements are designed with universal characteristics - each element has identical dimensions, seat arrangements, and stacking interfaces. A single element design can accommodate different product types (cylindrical containers of various sizes) and quantities by simply changing the number of elements stacked or arranged in rows, rather than designing different structures for different needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Modular elements can be added or removed from rows and columns, allowing the display capacity to be adjusted based on product quantity requirements. The stacking mechanism enables flexible reconfiguration without compromising structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If more products are stored in the display unit, then capacity increases, but the overall dimensions and footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of products containedVSAvoidoverall footprint of display unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes vertical space by stacking modular elements to form multiple levels (rows and columns). Instead of expanding horizontally to increase capacity, the system grows vertically, accommodating more products within the same floor footprint. Multiple elements are stacked to create a compact, space-efficient display structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If simple modular elements are used, then assembly is rapid, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speed of display unitVSAvoidstructural stability of stacked elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The modular elements are designed with nested stacking characteristics - each element contains recesses and protrusions that interlock with adjacent elements. The central tubular body of one element fits into the corresponding structure of the element below, creating a nested arrangement that provides structural stability while maintaining simple, rapid assembly through gravity-assisted stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2209404B1Modular display unit for cylindrical products, in particular tubes of sweets, and modular element for composition of the same
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 PERFETTI VAN MELLE SPA
  • EP2209404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2209404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2209404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A description is given of a display unit for cylindrical products, in particular tubes of sweets, comprising at least one modular basket (element 2), a support base (3) and a cover cap (4), the basket element comprising a perforated base part (5), an external shell (6) and a central tubular body shaped so as to allow stacking of several elements (2), said shell (6) having internally a plurality of concave seats (8) suitable for housing products (11) and forming externally convexities (9) separated by concave recesses (10).