Pivoting Retainer Assembly for Stable Dairy Shelf Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shelving systems for refrigerated dairy products, such as yogurt, lack optimal retainer solutions that are sturdy and easily replaceable without requiring replacement of the entire divider wall, and fail to prevent lateral movement of dividers during product withdrawal and restocking.
Innovation Solution
A retainer assembly with omnidirectionally movable fingers and biasing members, such as springs or elastic bands, mounted to dividers, allowing for flexible obstruction and retraction to facilitate product access and restocking without damaging the retainers or dividers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If tabs or blocking elements are fastened to the dividing wall to define a channel for holding product, then the retainer provides structural support and product containment, but the retainer cannot be replaced without replacing the entire divider wall
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented from the divider wall, allowing the retainer to be independently removed and replaced. The retainer includes a retainer body with fingers that engage with the divider wall through separate mounting mechanisms, enabling modular replacement of only the retainer component rather than the entire divider assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is extracted as a separate, removable component from the divider wall structure. The retainer can be detached and reattached to the divider wall, allowing for easy replacement of the retainer without removing or replacing the divider wall itself.
2Strength
If traditional tabs are used as retainers, then the structure is simple, but the tabs are not sturdy and may become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as a segmented structure with multiple fingers that can independently flex and absorb impact forces. This segmentation allows the retainer to be more durable while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible fingers that can bend and return to their original position. This dynamic capability allows the retainer to absorb impacts from product placement and removal without permanent damage, enhancing sturdiness while using simple materials.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dividers are mounted to the display shelf, then the dividers provide structural support, but the dividers move laterally as product is withdrawn or restocked
Solution Approach 1:
The divider system is segmented into stationary divider walls and movable retainer components. The divider walls remain fixed to provide structural stability, while the retainers are designed to move independently to facilitate product access without lateral movement of the entire divider structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer components are designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing them to flex and move as product is withdrawn or restocked. This dynamic design maintains the stability of the divider walls while enabling easy product access.
4Reliability
If retainers are designed to obstruct the pathway to prevent product falling, then product containment is improved, but access to stacked containers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer fingers are designed to be flexible and movable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position. When product is removed or added, the fingers can move to accommodate the changing product configuration, maintaining containment reliability while enabling easy access to stacked containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer parameters such as finger position and orientation can change in response to product manipulation. The fingers can be pushed back or moved to different positions to allow access to containers while maintaining their containment function when in the normal obstructing position.
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
Enables the efficient display, sale, and restocking of dairy items by providing a sturdy and replaceable retainer system that prevents product falling and allows for easy access to all layers of stacked containers, enhancing product density and merchandising efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member resiliently connects the first portion to the second portion
Implementation Method 2
A biasing member resiliently connects the first portion to the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer assembly for an associated merchandising structure includes a planar divider mounted to the associated merchandising structure with the divider including a first side, a second side, a front end and a rear end. A first retainer is pivotally mounted to a first side of the divider adjacent the front end thereof. A second retainer is pivotally mounted to the second side of the divider adjacent the front end thereof. The first and second retainers are biased into an orientation normal to the plane of the divider. Each of the first and second retainers is adapted to pivot omnidirectionally in relation to the plane of the divider.