Modular Support Column with Enclosed Fasteners for Sanitary Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular support systems for electronic data terminal equipment, such as video display screens and printers, do not meet the sanitary requirements of the NSF/ANSI 2 standard, particularly in retail food environments, due to exposed fasteners and cables that hinder cleaning and create crevices for bacterial infestation.
Innovation Solution
A modular support column with completely enclosed mechanical connector elements, fasteners, and electrical signal- and power-transmitting lines within the modules, eliminating exposed fasteners and cables, and designed with smooth contours and finishes to facilitate easy cleaning and compliance with NSF/ANSI 2 standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If modular support systems use exposed fasteners and cables for connecting modules, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but sanitary compliance deteriorates due to crevices and exposed surfaces that hinder cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing mechanical connector elements and electrical cables inside hollow cylindrical pole modules. The connectors are nested within the pole structure, and cables are routed through internal pathways, eliminating exposed fasteners and surfaces while maintaining modular assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses smooth-walled cylindrical pole modules as enclosing shells that contain all mechanical and electrical components. These smooth-surfaced shells prevent food residue accumulation and facilitate cleaning, while still allowing modular assembly through internally housed connectors.
2Reliability
If modular support systems enclose all mechanical connectors and electrical cables within modules, then sanitary compliance is improved by eliminating crevices and exposed surfaces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing standardized pole modules that serve multiple functions: structural support, cable routing, and mechanical connection housing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby managing device complexity while achieving enclosed sanitary design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support system into modular pole units with standardized interfaces. Each module is self-contained with enclosed connectors and cables, allowing the system to achieve sanitary compliance through segmentation while managing complexity through standardization of the segmented units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-fabricated support stands are used for different equipment combinations, then adaptability to specific applications is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating standardized pole modules with consistent connection interfaces and cable routing pathways. These universal modules can be assembled in various configurations to accommodate different equipment combinations, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible assembly and disassembly of standardized modules to adapt to different application requirements. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows the system to dynamically reconfigure for various equipment combinations without requiring custom fabrication.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular support column allows electrical signal- and power-transmitting lines between a data-processing device and an associated weighing device to be enclosed. The modular support column includes a foot module (5; 6), at least a primary pole module (10), at least one adapter module (20, 50), mechanical connector elements (70, 80) and fasteners (55, 75). The modular support column, when assembled, has a central axis (a) defining an axial direction. A first axial end (11) of the primary pole module is connected to the foot module which, in turn, is to a chassis base (4) of a weighing scale (3). A second axial end (12) is connected to the at least one adapter module. The mechanical connector elements and fasteners are also enclosed. Extension pole modules (40) and adapter modules (20, 50) can extend the modular support column.