Pre-Assembled Produce Display Bin With Integrated Storage Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high costs and labor-intensive assembly of separate display stands for perishable merchandise, such as fruits and vegetables, pose challenges in efficient shipment and display at retail locations, as they require significant shipping costs and time-consuming assembly at the point-of-sale.

Innovation Solution

A transportable merchandise display device comprising a frame with a display bin and storage bins, a sleeve for concealment, and pallets for easy transportation, which can be assembled and disassembled for efficient storage, shipment, and display, featuring a lid for airflow and flaps for concealing pallets, allowing for cost-effective and labor-efficient display at retail locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate display stands are provided for merchandise, then merchandise promotion and display capability is improved, but shipping costs and assembly time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchandise display capabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display stand is pre-assembled at the manufacturing site with storage bins and display bins already in position, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly at the retail location. The entire unit including frame, bins, and even merchandise is prepared in advance and shipped as a complete assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the display stand structure with storage bins and display bins into a single integrated unit. The frame, storage bins, and display bins are merged into one cohesive assembly that functions both as structural support and as the display mechanism itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate display stands are provided for merchandise, then merchandise promotion and display capability is improved, but shipping costs increase due to weight and dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchandise display capabilityVSAvoidshipping costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Storage bins are nested within the frame structure, and display bins are positioned within the frame as well. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall volume and weight of the shipped unit compared to having separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, holds storage bins, supports display bins, and acts as the overall framework for the entire display system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing total weight and shipping costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If unassembled promotional display stands are provided to reduce shipping costs, then shipping costs decrease, but assembly complexity and time increase at the retail site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping costsVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional stacked merchandise arrangement is used, then storage simplicity is improved, but merchandise visibility and promotion effectiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoidmerchandise promotion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The merchandise storage and display system is segmented into distinct storage bins and display bins. Storage bins hold bulk merchandise while display bins present individual items to customers, creating clear functional separation that enhances both storage efficiency and promotional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the display system have different qualities optimized for their specific functions: storage bins are designed for efficient merchandise storage and organization, while display bins are designed for customer visibility and product presentation, with each area optimized for its local requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device reduces shipping costs and assembly time by providing a pre-assembled, cost-effective display solution that is easy to transport and set up, enhancing the visibility and promotion of merchandise while maintaining product freshness through airflow and concealed pallets.

Implementation Method 1

the lid preferably comprises apertures to permit air flow through the lid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS7717265B2Device for storage, shipment and display of merchandise

Publication Date: 2010.05.18 POM WONDERFUL LLC

AI summary

A device for the storage, shipment and display of merchandise is provided. The device comprises a display bin and a frame disposed under the display bin. The frame comprises top and bottom supports and a cavity between the top and bottom supports. At least one storage bin disposed in the cavity of the frame and a sleeve comprising walls is disposed around at least a portion of the frame.