Retractable Pin Fastening Module for Electronic Shelf Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic shelf label (ESL) systems require a specially designed shelf edge strip for secure fastening, limiting flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for multiple designs to accommodate different types of strips.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and extendable fastening element, designed as a separate module with a spring mechanism, allows the ESL to be securely fastened to various shelf edge strips, enabling flexible use and reducing costs by maintaining a single design for the display unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specially designed shelf edge strip is used for secure fastening, then the locking reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the display unit can only be used with that specific shelf edge strip design
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into two independent parts: a fastening element that is part of the display unit and a separate shelf edge strip. This segmentation allows the display unit to be detached from any specific shelf edge strip design, enabling reuse with different shelf configurations while maintaining secure locking when paired with the correct strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed with a universal locking mechanism that can interface with multiple shelf edge strip designs. The pin-based locking system can engage with different groove configurations, allowing the same display unit to be securely mounted on various shelf edge strip types without modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shelf edge strip designs are created to accommodate different display units, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single shelf edge strip design with standardized grooves and mounting features can accommodate multiple display unit types. The universal fastening element uses a standardized pin and groove interface that works across all compatible strips, eliminating the need for multiple specialized strip designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter variations in shelf edge strip designs (such as groove spacing, strip width, or mounting height) while maintaining compatibility through the modular fastening element. The fastening mechanism can adapt to different parameters within a standardized range without requiring redesign.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fastening element is integrated into the display unit housing, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the display unit cannot be easily repositioned or reused
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is segmented as a separate, detachable component rather than being permanently integrated into the housing. This allows the display unit to be easily assembled and disassembled, repositioned, or reused with different shelf edge strips while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element transitions from a static integrated component to a dynamic detachable component. The pin-based mechanism allows the display unit to be securely fixed during operation but easily removed and repositioned when needed, providing operational flexibility without compromising manufacturing 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 solution allows the ESL to be securely locked on different types of shelf edge strips, enhancing flexibility and reducing costs by maintaining a single design for the display unit, while ensuring secure positioning and preventing theft or displacement.
Implementation Method 1
a retractable and extensible locking element (11), which is held in its extended position by a spring (19)
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening element, which is used for fastening or fixing a display unit, preferably an electronic display unit, particularly preferably an electronic price—and/or product-information display unit, to a support device, which is preferably designed as a shelf edge strip, the fastening element comprising at least one locking element, which is retractable and extensible and preferably constructed as a pin, which is held in its extended position by a spring, which is provided in the fastening element, and can be moved counter to the force of the spring to a retracted position, characterized in that the fastening element is realized as a separate fastening module.