Modular Pole Mounting Structure for Flexible POS Equipment Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device mounting systems lack flexibility and ease of modification, often requiring significant reconfiguration when upgrading or changing equipment, and may not efficiently utilize available surface area.
Innovation Solution
A modular equipment mounting structure featuring a vertically elongate pole with channels and a clamp assembly that allows for quick installation, easy alteration, and selective adjustment, including pivotable mounts and hollow extension arms for cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If equipment is densely deployed over a particular surface area, then the surface area utilization is improved, but the device positioning becomes inconvenient and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface deployment to three-dimensional vertical deployment by mounting equipment on a vertical pole structure. This allows multiple devices to be positioned at different heights along the pole, achieving dense deployment without compromising positioning convenience or flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow equipment to be moved to different heights and positions on the pole. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains flexibility and ease of positioning while achieving dense surface area utilization.
2Area of stationary object
If equipment is densely deployed over a particular surface area, then the surface area utilization is improved, but the system lacks flexibility for equipment upgrades or changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the mounting structure into modular components including the pole, clamp assemblies, and equipment carriers. Each clamp assembly can be independently adjusted or replaced, allowing individual equipment upgrades or changes without affecting the entire system, thus maintaining flexibility while achieving dense deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable clamp assemblies enable dynamic reconfiguration of the system. Equipment can be easily added, removed, or upgraded by adjusting the clamp positions on the pole, providing system flexibility while maintaining dense surface area utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular mounting structure with clamp assembly is used, then ease of installation and reconfiguration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed as a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of equipment on a single pole structure. This multi-functional design simplifies installation by using a standardized clamp mechanism for different devices, reducing overall system complexity despite the modular nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple mounting functions into a single integrated clamp assembly that provides both positioning and securing capabilities. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, easing installation while managing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular pole system is used to support office systems or equipment to facilitate point of sale retail functions. An elongate pole has a plurality of channels that receive locking nuts to support the equipment in place. Electronic equipment including such items as scanners, printers, displays, and telephones may be placed on specialized equipment mounting structures proximate the pole or with use of extension arms to space the equipment away from the pole.