Multi-Component Divider for Pusher Systems in Limited-Height Freezers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retail environments, especially in freezers with limited shelf height, existing product pusher systems with dividers of lesser height are ineffective for displaying bagged frozen foods as they allow products to move laterally, reducing the system's efficiency and causing the pusher to be impeded.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component divider and base system that includes a base with a pusher track, a divider comprising two components with a lower component connected to the base and an upper component that extends to increase the divider's height, allowing the pusher to effectively move products to the front of the shelf without binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a divider of lesser height is used in a product pusher system, then the system can be installed in freezers with limited shelf height, but the products may move laterally over the divider and reduce the effectiveness of the system
Solution Approach 1:
The divider is divided into two separate components: a base divider component that remains in the limited-height space, and an extension component that adds vertical height. This segmentation allows the system to fit within shelf height constraints while providing sufficient divider height to prevent lateral product movement and maintain pusher effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a divider of significant height is used, then lateral movement of products is prevented, but it becomes difficult or impossible to install in freezers with limited height between shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The divider system transitions from a static, fixed-height structure to a dynamic, adjustable-height structure. The extension component can be vertically positioned at different heights along the pusher assembly, allowing the divider height to be adapted to match the specific shelf height constraints of different freezer environments while maintaining sufficient height to prevent product lateral movement.
3Productivity
If the pusher face is extended perpendicular to the push direction, then the pusher can effectively advance products to the front of the shelf, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher face extension feature is integrated directly into the pusher assembly structure, merging the pushing function with the product engagement function. This combination allows the pusher to effectively advance products to the front of the shelf using the existing pusher mechanism without requiring separate complex components, thereby maintaining productivity while minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-component divider including a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component connects to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component extends above the first divider component, thereby extending the overall height of the divider. The base and multi-component divider can be used in locations where there is limited space between shelves, such as a shelf in a freezer or refrigerated display, or in any application where a higher divider may be preferred, but cannot be installed.