Modular Support Member for POS Terminal Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing merchandise sales devices, such as POS terminal devices, are not adaptable to various store environments, limiting their functionality and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A merchandise sales device with a modular support member that can be configured in two states: one for horizontal surface placement and another for vertical surface mounting, allowing the device to be easily adapted to different store environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a merchandise sales device is designed for a specific use pattern, then it can perform well in that specific environment, but it cannot adapt to other store environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to store environmentsVSAvoiddevice configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into a first support portion and a second support portion that can be selectively positioned. The first support portion has a first support surface for horizontal placement, while the second support portion has a second support surface for vertical mounting. This segmentation allows the device to be configured for different use patterns by selectively engaging different support portions, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed to provide multiple functions: it can support the main body device in a horizontal orientation on tables or counters, and also support the device in a vertical orientation on walls. The same support member structure accommodates both use patterns through selective engagement of different support portions, achieving universality and multi-functionality that directly addresses the adaptability requirement.

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

2Ease of operation

If the support member structure is simplified for easy configuration, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to maintain device attitude stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoiddevice attitude stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support member incorporates a dynamic configuration mechanism where the second support portion can be selectively positioned relative to the first support portion. This allows the support structure to adapt its configuration based on the desired use pattern while maintaining stability through proper geometric relationships between the support portions. The dynamic adjustability enables easy configuration for different orientations while preserving attitude stability through structured design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second support portion is positioned within or relative to the first support portion in a nested arrangement. This nesting configuration allows the support member to maintain a compact structure when not in use while providing stable support surfaces when configured. The nested design enables easy configuration by simply positioning the second support portion relative to the first, while the structural relationship between nested elements maintains device attitude stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12243400B2Merchandise sales device
Publication Date: 2025.03.04 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • US12243400B2 patent drawing
  • US12243400B2 patent drawing
  • US12243400B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a merchandise sales device includes a main body device and a support member. The main body device performs information processing for merchandise sales while accepting an operation from an operator. The support member can selectively form a first state where the main body device can be placed at a horizontal surface while a predetermined attitude of the main body device is maintained, and a second state where the main body device can be fixed to a vertical surface.