Modular POS Register Storage With Live Power and Network Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Large retail stores face inefficiencies as many point-of-sale stations remain unused during off-peak seasons, occupying valuable space and requiring storage solutions that maintain connectivity and functionality for when they are needed again.

Innovation Solution

A point-of-sale assembly system that includes a cashbox secured to the sales floor with an electrical conduit providing power and network connectivity, allowing electronic components to be stored within the cashbox while maintaining connectivity, and a shroud to secure the components inside, ensuring they remain connected and accessible for reassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If point-of-sale stations are kept assembled and ready for use, then they can be immediately deployed during peak seasons, but they occupy valuable store space during off-peak seasons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for deploymentVSAvoidstore space occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The point-of-sale system is divided into modular components: electronic components (controller, peripheral devices) and non-electronic components (cashbox, shelving). These segments can be separated for compact storage during off-peak seasons and quickly reassembled during peak seasons, resolving the contradiction between immediate readiness and space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Electronic components are stored within the interior cavity of the cashbox, creating a nested arrangement. This allows the electronic components to be compactly housed within an existing structure, minimizing storage space while maintaining the ability to quickly retrieve and deploy the complete system when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If point-of-sale stations are disassembled for storage, then store space is optimized, but reassembly requires time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestore space usageVSAvoidreassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cashbox is pre-configured with an interior cavity specifically designed to house electronic components, and the electrical conduit is pre-installed to provide connectivity. This preliminary preparation allows electronic components to be quickly stored and retrieved without complex assembly or disassembly procedures, reducing reassembly time while maintaining compact storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cashbox serves multiple functions: it acts as both a functional cash storage device during operation and as a storage container for electronic components during off-peak periods. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage solutions, streamlining the disassemble-store-reassemble process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If electronic components are stored in the cashbox, then space is efficiently used, but connectivity and power supply must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidconnectivity maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An electrical conduit acts as an intermediary element, extending from the ceiling or sales floor to the interior cavity of the cashbox. This conduit provides continuous electrical power and network connectivity to electronic components while they are stored inside the cashbox, eliminating the need for complex cable management while maintaining storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the POS system is made modular for easy storage, then space flexibility is improved, but system reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidsystem functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular components that can be independently handled and stored. The cashbox with its interior cavity provides a dedicated, protected environment for electronic components, while the electrical conduit ensures continuous connectivity. This segmentation enables flexible storage without compromising system reliability, as all components can be quickly reassembled to full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cashbox provides physical protection and a stable environment for electronic components during storage, cushioning them from potential damage. The electrical conduit maintains power and connectivity, ensuring components remain operational and reliable even while in storage, preparing them for immediate deployment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9916737B2Modularizable register

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method, system and assembly for storing components of a point-of-sale (POS) station while keeping the electronic components live and updated. All non-electronic and electronic components of a POS station are disassembled. The non-electronic components except for a cash box with an open face are removed from the sales floor. The electronic components are stored within the inner cavity of the cash box. The open face of the cash box is securely covered using a shroud. The electronic components are kept live and updated using an network and electricity pole resting in a hollow opening of the cash box.