Apparatus and method for illuminating items of merchandise suspended in a peg-type display having an elongate beam with track that is secured to a terminal end of a bar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Peg-type display and dispensing systems lack effective illumination solutions that enhance merchandise visibility and selection at the point-of-purchase, impacting sales and presentation quality.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that incorporates an elongate beam with a light source, such as an LED strip, secured to the peg-type display system using a bar and plate mechanism, providing targeted illumination to merchandise suspended from pegs, which includes a track system for easy installation and aesthetic integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If illumination apparatus is added to peg-type display system, then merchandise visibility and presentation quality improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemerchandise visibilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination apparatus is merged with the existing peg-type display system by integrating the beam and light source directly onto the display structure using the bar and plate mechanism. This combines the lighting function with the display function, improving merchandise visibility without requiring a completely separate illumination system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the light source, offers a mounting platform for illumination, and integrates with the existing display framework through the bar and plate attachment mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while achieving effective illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If custom illumination apparatus is installed, then illumination effectiveness improves, but installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination apparatus is segmented into modular components (beam, light source, bar, plate) that can be independently assembled and attached to the display system. The bar and plate mechanism provides a simple attachment interface that simplifies installation while maintaining effective illumination positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bar and plate mechanism is designed to be self-explanatory and self-installing, requiring minimal tools or specialized knowledge. The complementary slot and bar design allows for intuitive assembly where the plate simply receives the bar to secure the beam in place, making the installation process straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If beam is secured to bar using plate with slot, then installation ease improves, but connection reliability may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism extracts only the essential securing function needed for reliable mounting. The bar and plate slot design provides a simple yet effective connection that removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining sufficient reliability for the illumination application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The plate and bar connection is designed as a simple, economical attachment mechanism that provides adequate reliability for the intended application lifecycle. The design prioritizes ease of installation and cost-effectiveness while maintaining sufficient connection strength for the illumination apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution provides effective, aesthetically enhanced illumination that simplifies installation, improves merchandise presentation, and promotes sales by ensuring long-term, reliable lighting for items displayed in peg-type systems, while being economical and appealing.

Implementation Method 1

a light source extending laterally along the beam, the light source being arranged to project illumination toward the items of merchandise displayed at the point-of-purchase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10405678B1Apparatus and method for illuminating items of merchandise suspended in a peg-type display having an elongate beam with track that is secured to a terminal end of a bar
Publication Date: 2019.09.10 HENSCHEL STEINAU INC
  • US10405678B1 patent drawing
  • US10405678B1 patent drawing
  • US10405678B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus and method illuminate items of merchandise displayed at a point-of-purchase, wherein the items are suspended from a peg having a distal end placed at a support structure, the peg projecting in a longitudinal direction from the support structure to a proximal end placed adjacent the point-of-purchase. An adjacent bar extends from the support structure to a terminal end adjacent the proximal end of the peg and carries a plate secured to the terminal end, with the terminal end of the bar and the plate spaced from the proximal end of the peg. An elongate beam is provided with a track extending in lateral directions along a rearward surface of the beam. The track is located for confronting the terminal end of the bar, and the plate is captured within the track at a selected lateral location along the beam, thereby locating the beam adjacent the terminal end of the bar, proximate the proximal end of the peg, and a light source is extended laterally along the beam, arranged to project illumination toward the items of merchandise displayed at the point-of-purchase.