Retail merchandise tray

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional self-facing retail merchandise displays require welding for assembly and have complex baffle plate mounting configurations, leading to increased assembly time and costs, as well as limited flexibility in accommodating different merchandise widths and shelf mounting arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A retail merchandise tray with a weld-free wire support structure and divider assemblies using resilient connections, a self-contained baffle plate, and a versatile shelf mounting system that allows for easy assembly and adjustment, reducing labor and costs while accommodating various merchandise sizes and shelf configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding is used to assemble the wire support structure, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wire support structure is divided into multiple modular segments that can be assembled independently and then connected to the tray body through simple attachment mechanisms rather than welding. This segmentation allows for faster assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical assembly system using clips, tabs, or snap-fit mechanisms to attach the wire support structure to the tray body. This substitution eliminates the need for thermal processing and specialized equipment, significantly reducing assembly time and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If complex baffle plate mounting configurations are used, then mounting stability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidmounting configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle plate mounting function is extracted from the complex integrated structure and implemented as a separate, simplified attachment system. The baffle plates are designed to be independently mounted using simple fastening mechanisms, decoupling the mounting complexity from the overall tray structure while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex mounting configuration throughout the entire tray, simplified mounting features are localized to specific areas where baffle plates need to be attached. This local quality approach applies complexity only where necessary, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring mounting stability at critical locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If fixed-width tray designs are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different merchandise widths decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetray width precisionVSAvoidmerchandise width accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tray design incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the tray width and configuration to be dynamically changed to accommodate different merchandise widths. Side barriers and divider assemblies can be repositioned or removed, transforming the tray from a fixed-width design to an adaptable structure while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized adjustment increments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tray is designed with universal mounting features and standardized components that enable it to serve multiple width configurations and different merchandise types. Load bearing members and support structures are positioned to accommodate various tray widths, allowing a single tray design to fulfill multiple functions across different retail applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If specialized shelf mounting arrangements are used, then mounting reliability is improved, but ease of installation and versatility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tray incorporates pre-formed mounting features such as integrated shelf clips, mounting holes, or attachment mechanisms that are built into the tray structure during manufacturing. These preliminary actions eliminate the need for complex field installation procedures, allowing the tray to be easily mounted to various shelf types while maintaining reliable attachment through the pre-engineered mounting solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is designed with universal features that can accommodate different shelf types and configurations. The tray includes multiple mounting option s and adaptable attachment mechanisms that work with various shelf materials and designs, ensuring reliable mounting across different retail environments without requiring specialized installation procedures for each shelf type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10842294B2Retail merchandise tray
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 FASTENERS FOR RETAIL INC
  • US10842294B2 patent drawing
  • US10842294B2 patent drawing
  • US10842294B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a pair of load bearing members, a front stop mounted to the load bearing members, a wire support structure removably attached to the front stop and load bearing members, a pusher that slides along the wire support structure, and a pair of movable divider assemblies.