Modular merchandise display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retail display fixtures lack flexibility and efficiency in displaying and rearranging social expression products like greeting cards and gift items, making it difficult to adapt to seasonal changes and promotional needs.

Innovation Solution

A modular merchandise display system comprising module bars attached to slotted uprights with removably attachable product modules, allowing for easy addition or removal of modules without disrupting others, and including a pegboard panel, base deck, and divider panels for customizable configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed retail display fixtures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for seasonal changes and promotional needs deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for seasonal changes and promotional needsVSAvoiddisplay fixture structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display fixture is divided into modular components including product modules, module bars, and uprights that can be independently configured and reconfigured. Each product module can be selectively attached or detached from module bars without disrupting other modules, enabling flexible adaptation to seasonal changes and promotional needs while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through standardized connection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display fixture transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The module bars can be positioned at various heights on the uprights using the slot system, and product modules can be added or removed as needed. This dynamic capability allows the display to adapt to different product assortments and promotional requirements without requiring complete restructuring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If product modules are permanently attached to display fixtures, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation for rearrangement and updates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of rearrangement and module updatesVSAvoidmodule attachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into detachable components with standardized interfaces. Product modules connect to module bars through removable attachment mechanisms that provide stable operation during use but allow easy detachment when reconfiguration is needed. The slot system in uprights provides multiple positioning options for module bars while maintaining secure attachment during each configuration phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions between stable and easily detachable states based on operational needs. During normal display operation, modules remain securely attached to maintain stability. When updates or rearrangements are needed, modules can be quickly detached and reattached to different positions without requiring tools or complex procedures, balancing reliability with ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular product modules are made detachable for flexibility, then adaptability for different products is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for different product typesVSAvoidmodular attachment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module bars and connection mechanisms are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate various types of product modules. The same module bar and attachment system works for different product categories including greeting cards, gift wrap, and seasonal items. This universality provides high adaptability for different product types without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the core attachment mechanism remains standardized across all applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11666161B2Modular merchandise display

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 AMERICAN GREETINGS CORP

AI summary

A modular merchandise display which allows for the integrated display of greeting cards and other social expression products. The system provides flexibility in the set up and modification of the retail display over time by offering product modules having a variety of holding mechanisms for retaining and displaying a wide range of products. Each product module operates independently from all others such that adding/removing/rearranging a product module does not affect or disrupt the other product modules on the display.