A modular article

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kiosks require significant dismantling and rebuilding to upgrade or replace components, making them inefficient and costly, and their non-versatile design complicates servicing.

Innovation Solution

A modular kiosk design featuring a core module with a back panel and internal compartment, configurable apertures, and interface portions that allow for easy attachment and detachment of modules and devices, enabling convenient upgrading, servicing, and customization without replacing the entire kiosk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing kiosk designs with fixed hardware connections and mountings are used, then the kiosk provides stable and reliable functionality, but significant dismantling and rebuilding is required to upgrade or replace components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveupgradeabilityVSAvoiddismantling and rebuilding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The kiosk is divided into modular components including removable front panels, interchangeable display modules, and separable functional units. Each module can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the entire system, enabling easy upgrades while maintaining overall system integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The kiosk design incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through standardized mounting interfaces and connection mechanisms that allow components to be easily attached and detached. This dynamic structure enables the system to adapt to new technologies without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If existing kiosk designs with non-versatile design are used, then the initial functionality is provided, but servicing becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservicing convenienceVSAvoiddesign versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The kiosk is segmented into serviceable modules with removable panels and accessible internal components. Technicians can access specific modules for maintenance without dismantling the entire structure, significantly improving servicing convenience while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables easy self-servicing of certain components through tool-free or minimal-tool removal mechanisms. Users can perform basic maintenance tasks themselves, reducing service complexity and improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If entire kiosk replacement is performed to incorporate new technology, then the kiosk remains up-to-date with current technology, but cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnology currencyVSAvoidwaste generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of discarding entire kiosks, the modular design allows selective replacement of outdated modules while retaining and reusing the core structure and functional components. This recovery approach reduces waste and lowers the environmental impact of technology updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized modular architecture creates universal interfaces that can accommodate different technology generations. A single core kiosk structure can support multiple types of modules over time, extending its useful life and reducing the need for complete replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If entire kiosk replacement is performed to upgrade components, then the latest technology is implemented, but cost and inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupgrade efficiencyVSAvoidmodification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the kiosk into independent modules, upgrades can be performed on individual components rather than the entire system. This segmentation dramatically improves upgrade efficiency and reduces modification costs by limiting the scope of work to only the necessary modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design with standardized interfaces is prepared in advance during the initial manufacturing stage, enabling rapid future upgrades without requiring complex customization or extensive modification work. This preliminary structuring reduces both time and cost for subsequent upgrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240265365A1A modular article

Publication Date: 2024.08.08 SITA BV

AI summary

There is provided a modular article 100 comprising a core module 101 including: a back panel 103 and an internal compartment 105 configured to house one or more internal modules and one or more modular devices 107. The modular article 100 also comprises: a door 301 to the internal compartment coupled to the core module 101 and being configurable to comprise at least one aperture 303 configured to facilitate use of the one or more modular devices 107 in the internal compartment 105; and an interface portion coupled to the core module 101, the interface portion having a first portion 201 and a second portion 203, each of the first portion 201 and the second portion 203 being configured to receive one or more modular interface devices 205.