Modular Display Stand with Flush Stacking and Composite Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile goods transport and presentation stands face challenges such as varying dimensions, complex assembly and disassembly, high costs due to metal materials, and inefficient stacking due to protruding parts, which complicate logistical transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a base element, post elements, and shelf elements that are detachably plug together, ensuring no part protrudes beyond a defined volume, with standardized dimensions for optimal truck space utilization, and innovative design features like injection-molded plastic components, metal hooks, and drainage holes for stability and ease of handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal materials are used for the stand components, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and deformability after damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining metal corner elements with plastic shelf boards and post elements. This hybrid approach leverages the high strength of metal at critical connection points while using cost-effective plastic for the main structural components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining necessary structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the shelf boards and post elements as replaceable plastic components that can be easily manufactured at low cost. If these components become damaged or worn, they can be replaced individually without replacing the entire stand structure, reducing long-term operational costs and simplifying maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If posts are placed in corner areas with protruding hooks, then shelf attachment is simplified, but stacking efficiency decreases due to gaps and unused volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested stacking by designing the stand components to fit within each other when not in use. The post elements can be inserted into the corner elements of other stands, and shelf boards can be stored within the stand structure, eliminating protruding hooks and achieving flush stacking that maximizes transport volume utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having hooks protrude outward from the posts, the patent inverts the attachment mechanism by having the hooks recessed into the post elements or corner elements. This allows the exterior surface of the stand to remain flush, enabling efficient stacking while maintaining the functional capability of shelf attachment through the recessed hook mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different system dimensions are used, then adaptability to various uses is improved, but adaptation to standard truck dimensions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal dimensions for the stand components that are specifically designed to fit within standard truck cargo spaces. The corner elements, posts, and shelf boards are sized to maximize the number of stands that can be transported in a single truck load, thereby improving logistical efficiency while maintaining versatility through the modular configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standardized dimensional parameters for all stand components that can be adjusted in discrete increments. The shelf boards come in different lengths and widths, and the number of posts can be varied, allowing the same basic system to be configured for different product types and transport requirements while maintaining compatibility with standard truck dimensions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If complex assembly and disassembly procedures are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stand into segmented modular components: corner elements, post elements, and shelf boards. Each component is designed with simple connection interfaces that require minimal assembly steps. The posts insert into the corner elements with snap-fit or friction-fit mechanisms, and shelf boards attach to posts using simple hook-and-slot or screw-less fastening systems, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly by non-expert users while maintaining structural stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an improved mobile goods transport and presentation stand comprising a base element, four post elements and shelf elements, wherein all elements can be detachably plugged together and the base element defines the base area of a cuboid in length and width, wherein in the intended assembled state no part of a post or shelf element protrudes from the space defined by the cuboid.