Paint Sample Card Display Layout for Ergonomic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paint sample card displays are often arranged in uniform rows and columns, which can make them aesthetically dull and less appealing to customers, failing to effectively convey distinct categories and attract attention.
Innovation Solution
The display system features a base with angularly offset receptacles arranged in non-rectangular patterns, including multiple arrays with varying numbers of receptacles, creating a geometric pattern that radiates from a central theme, allowing for improved customer access and ergonomic card removal, and incorporating lighting for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If paint sample cards are displayed in uniform rows and columns, then the display structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the display becomes aesthetically dull and less appealing to customers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging receptacles in non-uniform patterns including radial arrangements around a central receptacle, staggered rows, and varying spacing between receptacles. This creates visually interesting asymmetrical displays that break the monotony of uniform grids while maintaining straightforward manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent receptacles that can be individually arranged in different patterns. Each receptacle is a discrete unit that can be positioned independently, allowing for varied configurations (radial, staggered, clustered) without complicating the overall manufacturing approach.
2Ease of operation
If receptacles are oriented vertically, then the display structure is simple, but customer access to cards becomes less ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by orienting receptacles at different angles depending on their location and function. Front-facing receptacles are angled toward customers for easy access, while rear receptacles may have different orientations. This localized variation in orientation improves ergonomics without requiring complete redesign of the entire display structure.
3Shape
If all arrays have the same number of receptacles, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the display fails to create visual interest or highlight categories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates asymmetrical overall profiles by designing arrays with different numbers of receptacles. Central arrays may have more receptacles to highlight featured categories, while peripheral arrays have fewer. This asymmetrical configuration creates visual interest and guides customer attention without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A display assembly is provided with a base, and a plurality of receptacles supported by the base. Each of the plurality of receptacles is sized to receive a plurality of cards. Each of the plurality of receptacles has a distal end with an opening for display, receipt and removal of at least one of the plurality of cards and a proximal end to provide a limit to a depth of receipt for the plurality of cards within the receptacle. Each receptacle is oriented such that a direction from the distal end to the proximal end is angularly offset from vertical about a fore/aft axis relative to the base for customer access of at least one of the plurality of cards. Multiple arrays of receptacles are provided with a central array having a quantity of receptacles that is different than the other arrays to create a non-rectangular overall profile.