Product divider assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product shelf display systems require complex mechanisms for maintaining product alignment and configuration, often involving locking systems that increase weight, cost, and risk of damage due to user confusion.
Innovation Solution
A product divider system with a rail and divider assembly that uses engagement mechanisms with teeth of varying heights and materials to allow selective translation along the rail without a locking mechanism, simplifying the configuration and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanisms are used to maintain product alignment, then product stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes locking mechanisms entirely from the divider system. Instead of using complex locking systems to maintain product alignment, the design relies on the inherent friction between the divider's contact surface and the shelf, combined with the divider's geometric shape to maintain stability during product removal and placement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider maintains product alignment through its own structural design rather than external locking mechanisms. The contact surface geometry and material friction properties enable the divider to self-stabilize products during normal operations without requiring additional active components or user intervention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanisms are used to maintain product alignment, then product stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates locking mechanisms from the divider design, significantly reducing the weight of moving components. The stability function is achieved through the divider's contact surface geometry and material properties rather than additional mechanical components.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms are used for product alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex alignment mechanisms that would confuse users. Instead, the system uses simple geometric contact surfaces and material friction to maintain alignment, making the system intuitive and easy to operate without requiring users to understand or manipulate complex mechanisms.
4Reliability
If more engagement mechanisms are used, then reliability of engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates engagement functionality into a single optimized contact surface with specific friction properties and geometric characteristics, rather than distributing engagement across multiple mechanisms. This local optimization provides reliable engagement while maintaining system simplicity.
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 system enables efficient and cost-effective product alignment and reconfiguration by eliminating the need for locking mechanisms, reducing weight and material usage while minimizing user error and damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
The first material may have a first coefficient of friction, and the second material may have a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first coefficient of friction.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A product divider includes a base, a divider wall, and a stopper. The divider wall extends from the base. The stopper is coupled to the base and the divider and includes a rear surface, a front surface, and a flange. The rear surface faces the divider wall. The front surface is disposed opposite the rear surface. The flange extends from the front surface.