Pull-Out Goods Feed Supports for Gravity-Fed Shelf Restocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goods feed systems in retail and wholesale stores face challenges in efficiently arranging products to maintain an aesthetically pleasing and accessible display, particularly when restocking, as they often require mechanical or electrical forces to push products forward, and struggle to accommodate a high volume of products within the same shelf dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The system features modular, U-shaped profiling supports that allow goods feed inserts to be pulled out almost entirely, enabling easier restocking and accommodating more products by allowing flexible shelf configurations and minimizing the risk of products falling, with features like guide rails, profiling, and latching mechanisms for secure alignment and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical or electrical pushing systems are used to move products forward, then products can be pushed towards the front of the shelf, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The goods feed insert automatically feeds products forward using gravity and the inclined plane mechanism without requiring external mechanical or electrical pushing systems. The product weight itself drives the feeding action, making the system self-service and eliminating complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electrical pushing systems with a simple gravity-based inclined plane mechanism. Instead of using motors, sensors, or complex linkages to push products forward, the system uses the natural inclination of the support surface to automatically feed products in the desired direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed shelf arrangements are used, then shelf structure is simple, but the ability to accommodate different product volumes and types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is divided into multiple independent supports that can be individually adjusted or removed. Each support is a separate module that can be positioned independently, allowing flexible configuration to accommodate different product volumes and types without requiring a complete shelf redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The supports are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the shelf to adapt to different product requirements. The supports can be pulled out independently to facilitate restocking and can be repositioned to optimize product display and accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If supports are fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but restocking becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The supports are designed with movable capabilities, allowing them to be pulled out independently from the shelf structure. This dynamic feature enables easy access to the rear areas of the shelf for restocking operations while maintaining structural stability when the supports are in their normal positioned state.
Solution Approach 2:
The supports can be pulled out in advance to create access pathways to the rear shelf areas before restocking operations begin. This preliminary action of moving the supports facilitates easier and more efficient restocking by providing direct access to product storage areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional shelf designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the volume of products that can be accommodated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple independent supports that can be individually adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows for optimized use of vertical and horizontal space, enabling greater product capacity within the same shelf footprint by creating multiple accessible storage zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension more effectively by creating multi-level support structures and inclined surfaces that maximize the use of available height. This dimensional approach allows for increased product capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint of the shelf.
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
This solution facilitates easier and more regular restocking, maintains a full and flush product arrangement, reduces the risk of products falling, and allows for more efficient use of shelf space by enabling independent support movement and modular integration with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The goods are fed by inclining them, i.e. without using mechanical or electrical force / energy, namely solely by weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a goods feed system for receiving and presenting goods and receiving goods feed inserts (1) for the automatic transport of goods in a goods feed direction W, with a support (3) for receiving and holding the goods feed inserts (1), the goods feed system having a Support length (L) along the goods feed direction (W) and the support (3) in the goods feed direction (W) can be pulled out at least partially along the support length (L).