Price Tag Segmentation for Secure Shelf Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current price-and-information tag systems face challenges with secure attachment to shelves, labor-intensive placement and replacement, and high costs due to frequent price changes, as well as the potential for customer confusion and dissatisfaction from inaccurate information and mispricing.
Innovation Solution
A price-and-information tag system featuring an elongated sheet with front and rear surfaces, where product and price information is printed on both sides, and a perforated line separates the sheet into sections that can be folded and attached to a tag holder with the second section visible and the first section hidden, allowing for easy placement and removal, and optional adhesive for direct shelf attachment, enabling secure and flexible use while maintaining attractiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a front tag is attached to the tag holder using opposing flanges, then the tag can be positioned in front of the rear tag for advertising sales, but the front tag can be accidentally knocked off or displaced by customers removing product
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is divided into multiple sections (first section with attachment structure, second section with visible information) that can be independently positioned and secured. The first section engages with the tag holder while the second section extends forward, separating the attachment function from the display function to prevent accidental displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The second section of the tag is positioned within the space defined by the tag holder's flanges, nesting the display portion within the structural framework. This nested arrangement secures the front tag while allowing it to extend sufficiently for visibility and advertising purposes.
2Ease of operation
If the opposing flanges of the extruded tag holder are used to engage the top of the front tag, then the tag can be positioned in a hanging position, but the flanges weaken and deform over time to a more spread position
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure on the first section of the tag is designed to engage with the tag holder's flanges in a predetermined manner that compensates for their natural deformation. The structure anticipates the flanges spreading over time and maintains proper tag positioning through its geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure utilizes changes in the flange position parameters (spreading over time) and adapts the engagement geometry accordingly. As the flanges deform, the attachment structure maintains functional engagement through its flexible yet secure design, accommodating the parameter changes without compromising tag security.
3Manufacturing precision
If tags are manually placed and replaced every time there is a price change, then accurate pricing information can be updated, but substantial labor costs and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tag design enables self-placing by store employees without requiring specialized training or complex procedures. The simple attachment structure and clear visual indicators allow any employee to correctly position tags quickly, transforming a complex manual process into a simple self-service task that maintains pricing accuracy while improving efficiency.
4Manufacturing precision
If the first tag is removed and replaced when price changes occur, then updated pricing information can be displayed, but the complexity and opportunity for error increase with large store sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is segmented into distinct functional sections: the first section for attachment and the second section for display information. This segmentation simplifies the replacement process by allowing employees to quickly identify and replace only the second section or the entire tag as a unit, reducing errors in large stores with complex product arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag utilizes color coding and visual differentiation between sections to help employees quickly identify correct placement locations and distinguish between different tag types. This visual guidance system reduces the complexity of tag management in large stores by providing immediate visual feedback on proper positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A price-and-information tag includes front and rear surfaces both having product and price information. The tag includes a pre-fold line and a perforated line dividing the sheet into spaced-apart first and second sections. When bi-folded, the first section fits into an upwardly-open pocket of an extruded tag holder, with the second section in front of the tag holder and hiding the first section. Further, the second section can be torn off along the perforated line to reveal the information on the first section with minimal labor. A picture on the tag allows a non-reading installer to place the tag. Methods related to same are also shown, including double folding the elongated sheet and then using the first section to engage a tag holder with only the information on the second section being visible, the second section being later torn off to reveal the information on the first section.