Display shelf modules with projectors for displaying product information and modular shelving systems comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display shelf technologies are cumbersome and costly due to the use of LED or LCD displays for product information, which require independent power supplies and are prone to damage, making them difficult to reposition and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A modular shelving system with a projector-based display shelf module that projects image data onto a rear surface of a translucent display panel, allowing for adjustable positioning and easy reconfiguration without the need for independent power supplies, using a projector and optical components within the display shelf module to maintain image clarity and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LED or LCD displays are used for product information, then product information can be displayed electronically, but the system becomes expensive and susceptible to damage requiring independent power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display function from the shelf structure by using a separate projector unit that projects images onto the shelf surface. This separates the display component from the shelf support structure, allowing the shelf to be adjusted without worrying about display component integrity or power supply routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf surface serves multiple functions: it continues to provide mechanical support for products while simultaneously acting as a display surface for projected images. This eliminates the need for separate electronic display components embedded in the shelf.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic tags with LED or LCD displays are affixed to the shelf, then product information can be updated electronically, but the tags are expensive and require independent power supplies making shelf repositioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic projection rather than static electronic tags. The projector can dynamically change displayed information by projecting different images onto the shelf surface, while the shelf itself remains mechanically simple and easily repositionable without any electronic components attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary projection system that mediates between the information source and the shelf display surface. Instead of attaching electronic tags directly to the shelf, the projector acts as an intermediary that creates visual information on the shelf surface without physical attachment.
3Loss of information
If displays are integrated into the shelf structure, then product information is always visible, but the shelf becomes difficult to reconfigure and adjust spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is segmented from the shelf structure into a separate projector unit. This segmentation allows the shelf to be freely reconfigured for different spacing and arrangements while the projector independently provides continuous information display on the shelf surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of information display from embedded solid-state components to projected optical images. This parameter change allows the shelf structure to be mechanically adjusted without constraint, while the optical projection continuously provides visible product information.
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 projector-based system provides a cost-effective, durable, and easily reconfigurable solution for displaying product information, reducing maintenance costs and allowing for flexible shelving arrangements while maintaining clear and accurate image display.
Implementation Method 1
A projector projects an optical signal onto a rear surface of a translucent display panel such that image data is visible on a front surface of the display panel
Data Source
AI summary
Modular shelving systems and display shelves for modular shelving systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a modular shelving system includes a shelf support frame comprising a back plane portion and a base portion. At least one display shelf module is removably coupled to the back plane portion of the shelf support frame such that the display shelf module is vertically and horizontally positionable on the back plane portion of the shelf support frame. The display shelf module may include a top and bottom panels, and side panels that define an interior volume. A display panel may be affixed to a front of the display shelf module. A projector may be disposed in the interior volume of the display shelf module. The projector projects an optical signal onto a rear surface of the display panel such that image data is visible on a front surface of the display panel.