Modular Product Display Design Using Computational Optimization Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for designing product displays are laborious, time-consuming, and impractical for customizing displays across multiple retail locations due to the infinite number of possible designs, lacking a computationally effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented product display design model that uses volume parameters to define standardized units, allowing for the generation of finite geometric arrangements and efficient design of product displays, which can be manufactured using modular display and cartridge units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional manual methods are used to design product displays, then design flexibility and customization are possible, but the design process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical design processes with a computerized optimization system that uses algorithms to automatically generate and evaluate product display designs. The system substitutes human effort in manually arranging products with computational methods that consider multiple variables simultaneously, thereby reducing design time while maintaining customization capabilities through software-based optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization system enables the design process to serve itself by automatically generating design options without requiring manual intervention for each arrangement. The computerized system independently evaluates multiple design variables and produces optimized layouts, eliminating the need for designers to manually explore countless configuration possibilities.
2Productivity
If the number of design variables is increased to achieve better product presentation, then product visibility and space utilization improve, but the complexity of the design process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual design processes with a computerized optimization system that handles multiple variables simultaneously. The system uses algorithms to manage the complexity of considering store layout, product characteristics, display geometry, and space constraints, transforming an intractable manual problem into a computationally solvable optimization task.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization system serves multiple functions within a single integrated platform: it evaluates product visibility, optimizes space utilization, considers store-level objectives, and generates manufacturable display designs. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized processes into one comprehensive system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom product displays are designed for each retail location, then store-level objectives are met, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the product display into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. The optimization system generates designs that respect manufacturing constraints by breaking down custom displays into standardized segments, allowing store-specific customization through configuration rather than complete custom manufacturing of each component.
Data Source
AI summary
Product displays are used to hold and present products. A method of manufacturing a product display can include forming display unit and cartridge blanks for assembly into a product display that has been designed using a product display design model executed on a computing device. A dataset of standardized units is created and includes products, cartridges, and display units. The product display design model generates product display design options that specify geometric arrangements of cartridges within display units, where the cartridges are each associated with a product type. The geometric arrangements are based on inputs that include combinations of a target total product count, a target mix ratio, product types, and a product display type. Display unit blanks and cartridge blanks used to construct display units and cartridges of the product display are formed by a manufacturing device based on a generated product display design option.