Vertically stackable, laterally extendable merchandise display system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing merchandise display systems lack the flexibility to accommodate various sizes and styles of product containers, and they do not allow for easy separation into compartments for efficient loading and removal of products.
Innovation Solution
A modular display system with vertically stacked layers, each equipped with roller tracks supported by rails and side barriers that can be interlocked laterally, enabling adjustable elevation and spacing to accommodate different container sizes and facilitate compartmentalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed display system is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate various sizes and styles of product containers
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into multiple modular components including roller tracks, side barriers, support structures, and base units that can be independently selected and combined. Each module can be configured separately to accommodate different container dimensions, allowing the system to adapt to various product sizes without requiring a completely different display structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller tracks and side barriers are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions across different display configurations. The same basic module types can accommodate various container styles by adjusting their arrangement and combination, eliminating the need for specialized components for each product type.
2Ease of operation
If the display system is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot be separated into compartments for efficient loading and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into separable compartments defined by side barriers and roller track sections. These compartments can be independently accessed, loaded, and removed without disassembling the entire display structure. The modular nature allows maintenance personnel to quickly replace specific sections while leaving other parts intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system incorporates movable and adjustable elements such as repositionable side barriers and adjustable roller track sections that can be dynamically reconfigured. This dynamic capability enables easy creation of compartments for efficient product loading and removal while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If roller tracks are fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but they cannot be adjusted for different elevations to accommodate various container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The roller track support structures incorporate adjustable elevation mechanisms that allow the roller tracks to be positioned at different heights. These dynamic support structures can be raised or lowered to accommodate various container sizes while maintaining stability through standardized mounting interfaces and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into modular segments that can be independently adjusted in elevation. Each roller track module can be positioned at different heights relative to others, allowing flexible configuration to match various container dimensions while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable through standardized connection points.
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
The modular system allows for customizable display configurations that support various container sizes and styles, enhancing product loading and removal efficiency by utilizing interlocking side barriers and roller tracks to manage product movement and spacing.
Implementation Method 1
One longitudinal end of the roller track(s) may be raised relative to the other longitudinal end so that gravity may act to move product containers longitudinally
Data Source
AI summary
A modular product display system has at least two vertically stacked layers. Each layer has at least one roller track supported on one longitudinal end by a rail such that the one longitudinal end is at a different elevation than the other longitudinal end. At least two vertical stacking side barriers are disposed at laterally spaced apart positions between the roller track in each of the vertically stacked layers. The vertical stacking side barriers have protrusions on an upper edge and a lower edge engageable with corresponding openings in the roller track. Either (i) the protrusions on at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge are displaced from a plane of the vertical stacked side barrier, or (ii) the vertical stacked side barriers between the at least two vertically stacked layers are laterally displaced from vertical stacked side barriers between further vertically stacked layers.