Modular shelf unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display fixtures lack an efficient mechanism for changing price labels and marketing signage without disrupting the display or requiring manual darkness adjustments during changes.
Innovation Solution
A modular shelf unit with a rotatable front panel that includes holders for sheet material and lights, where the lights are turned off when the panel is opened for label insertion and turned on when closed, allowing for easy graphic and price label updates without illumination interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front panel is opened to change price labels and graphics, then the labels can be updated, but the lights create illumination interference that complicates the changing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light operation dynamic and conditional based on the front panel state. The lights automatically turn off when the front panel is opened and turn on when closed, transforming a static lighting system into a dynamic one that adapts to operational needs. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating light interference during label changing while maintaining illumination during display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by linking the light operation to the front panel position. The system detects whether the panel is open or closed and automatically adjusts the light state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that lights are off during label insertion (when panel is open) and on during normal display (when panel is closed), eliminating the need for manual light control and simplifying the label changing process.
2Illumination intensity
If manual control of lights is used during label changes, then illumination can be adjusted, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the lighting system to automatically adjust itself based on the front panel state. The lights turn off automatically when the panel is opened for label changing and turn on automatically when closed, without requiring any manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate light control operations, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining proper illumination control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf unit is designed for modular components, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shelf unit into distinct modular components: a front panel assembly with integrated lights and label holders, a shelf frame, and removable display components. This segmentation allows different configurations and easy replacement of individual parts while maintaining overall system functionality. The modular design enables adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as each module is independently simple but collectively versatile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through the modular front panel assembly that can accommodate various types of display components and labeling systems. The standardized interface and structure allow the same basic module to serve multiple functions and configurations, increasing adaptability without requiring proportionally more complex individual components. The universal design principle allows one module to replace another, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless and efficient updates of graphics and price labels on retail products, enhancing display management and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lights located behind the at least one holder to illuminate the sheet material
Implementation Method 2
The front panel is configured to rotate about a rotational axis located proximate to a bottom edge of the front of the shelf frame
Data Source
AI summary
A modular shelf unit includes a shelf frame having a front, a back and right and left sides and a front panel rotatably coupled to the front of the shelf frame. The front panel is configured to rotate about a rotational axis located proximate to a bottom edge of the front of the shelf frame. The front panel includes at least one holder configured to hold sheet material and a plurality of lights located behind the at least one holder to illuminate the sheet material. When the front panel is configured into a rotatably opened position, the plurality of lights are turned off. When the front panel is configured into a rotatably closed position, the plurality of lights are turned on.