Retail Merchandise Tray Assembly With Adjustable Dividers

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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 cost, 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 modular baffle plate system, and a foldable front stop for easy loading, along with a shelf mounting arrangement that allows for direct attachment to retail shelves, enabling rapid assembly and adaptation to varying merchandise sizes.

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 mechanical attachment methods such as clips, snaps, or interlocking mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for heat, specialized equipment, and skilled welders, thereby reducing assembly time and manufacturing cost while still providing sufficient structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If complex baffle plate mounting configurations are used, then merchandise containment is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchandise containmentVSAvoidmounting configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle plate mounting mechanism is merged with the existing wire support structure or tray body, eliminating the need for separate complex mounting configurations. The baffle plates are integrated into the overall structure through simple attachment points that utilize the same assembly methods as other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of mounting baffle plates to contain merchandise, the tray structure is designed with inherent containment features such as integrated side barriers and front stops that eliminate the need for separate baffle plate mounting configurations, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray dimension precisionVSAvoidmerchandise width accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tray design incorporates adjustable components such as movable side barriers, adjustable divider assemblies, or telescoping wire support structures that allow the tray width to be dynamically changed to accommodate different merchandise widths while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized adjustment increments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tray is designed with universal features such as standardized attachment points, modular components, and adjustable elements that allow a single tray design to serve multiple merchandise width requirements, thereby achieving adaptability without sacrificing manufacturing precision through the use of precision-engineered adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If non-foldable front stops are used, then structural strength is improved, but ease of operation for loading merchandise decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront stop strengthVSAvoidloading accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The front stop is designed as a foldable component that can be dynamically changed between an upright position (providing structural strength for merchandise containment) and a folded position (providing ease of operation for loading merchandise). The folding mechanism maintains structural integrity through robust hinge connections and locking features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces assembly time and cost, enhances flexibility in accommodating different merchandise widths, and simplifies shelf mounting, while maintaining efficient merchandise front-facing functionality.

Implementation Method 1

divider assemblies using resilient connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10470587B2Retail merchandise tray

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 FASTENERS FOR RETAIL INC

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.