Plug-In Shelf Module with Integrated Electronic Label Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current shelving systems lack flexibility and efficiency in presenting dynamic pricing and additional information to consumers, requiring manual label changes and limited functionality in displaying information.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in object for shelving systems with a plug-in part that forms an electrical contact, supplying energy to consumers and an information display, allowing for dynamic pricing and flexible information presentation via an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) with e-paper technology, eliminating the need for manual label changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual label changes are used for pricing, then operational flexibility is limited, but implementation complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical label changing with an electronic display system. The Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) uses electronic components including a display unit, control circuit, and wireless communication module to dynamically update pricing information without physical intervention, thereby substituting mechanical operations with electronic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESL system enables self-service pricing updates through automated wireless communication. The control circuit automatically receives pricing signals and updates the display without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in updating pricing information, thus improving operational flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Loss of information
If electronic display components are added to the shelving system, then information presentation capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information display function into a separate modular ESL unit that can be independently installed and managed on shelving units. This segmentation allows the core shelving system to remain simple while adding enhanced information display capability through a standalone electronic component that communicates wirelessly with a central control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESL device is designed as a multi-functional component that combines pricing display, information presentation, and wireless communication capabilities in a single unit. This universal design allows one component to fulfill multiple functions, reducing the need for separate systems and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while significantly enhancing information presentation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical contact points are integrated into the plug-in device, then functionality is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical contact function with the mechanical plug-in structure by integrating contact points directly into the plug and receptacle components. This consolidation combines multiple functions (mechanical attachment and electrical connection) into unified parts, which simplifies the manufacturing process compared to assembling separate mechanical and electrical components, while still extending functional versatility.
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 real-time price adjustments and flexible information display, enhancing consumer engagement and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for manual label updates.
Implementation Method 1
the insertable part forms an electrical contact with a contact device in the insertable device, such as a profile, and supplies an assembly unit with electrical contact points with electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7
AI summary
An insertable item (1) of a shelving system (2) for product presentation is proposed, comprising an insertable part (3, 3a) for an insertable device (6) of the shelving system (2), into which the insertable part (3, 3a) can be inserted in a suitable receptacle (5), wherein the insertable part (3, 3a) forms an electrical contact with a contact device (9) in the insertable device (6) and supplies an assembly unit (10) with electrical contact points (11) with electrical energy in order to supply an electrical consumer (12) with electrical energy.According to the invention, in addition to the mounting unit (10), an electrical mounting device (13) with electrical contact points (14) is provided on the insertion object (1), which is supplied with electrical energy via the electrical contact, and an electrical information display (15, 16) is inserted in the mounting device (13), wherein the information display (15, 16) is contacted for an electrical power supply.