Reusable Plastic Display Base with Identifier Tracking to Reduce Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing merchandise display devices for promotional items generate significant waste due to disposable cardboard bases and lack real-time information on product arrival at retail locations, leading to inefficient logistics and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A reusable plastic base with integrated tray and base identifiers allows for real-time tracking of product assembly and reduces waste by eliminating the need for separate cardboard bases, enabling efficient logistics and environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cardboard display base is used, then the device can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the base cannot be reused and generates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the display base from cardboard to plastic, transforming it from a single-use to a reusable component. This material substitution enables the base to withstand repeated assembly and disassembly cycles while maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing waste generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery system where the plastic display base is retained and reused across multiple product cycles. Instead of discarding the base with each product change, it is recovered and prepared for the next product assembly, significantly reducing material waste while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized plastic components.
2Device complexity
If the handling unit is assembled at the manufacturer's factory and transported as a complete unit, then assembly is simplified, but the manufacturer receives no information about when the goods reach the sales floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through electronic identifiers (RFID tags, barcodes) on both the base and trays. When these identifiers are read at the point of sale during assembly, the system automatically transmits feedback information about the delivery and assembly timing to the manufacturer, enabling real-time tracking without complicating the physical assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual information tracking with automated electronic identification systems. Instead of relying on paper documentation or manual communication about delivery timing, the system uses electronic readers to automatically capture and transmit assembly information, simplifying the overall process while ensuring accurate information flow.
3Ease of manufacture
If cardboard trays are used, then they can be easily manufactured and customized with information, but they must be disposed of after use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display system into two distinct parts: a durable plastic base that serves as the long-term foundation, and disposable cardboard trays that are easily manufactured and customized. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its optimal function - the base provides longevity while the trays provide ease of manufacture and customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal plastic base that can support multiple different cardboard trays for various products over time. The base serves multiple functions across different product cycles, while the trays are optimized for single-use customization. This multi-functionality extends the service life of the base indefinitely through repeated reuse.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for presenting and storing goods (16a, 16b, 16c) for sale, comprising at least one tray (11a, 11b, 11c) equipped with goods (16a, 16b, 16c), to which a carrier (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f) of a tray identifier (18, 18a, 18b) is assigned, by which the tray (11a, 11b, 11c) can be identified or identified as belonging to a group (19) of trays (11a, 11b, 11c), and comprising a base (12) made of plastic with a mounting surface (20) for the tray (11a, 11b, 11c), on which a device (21a, 21b, 21c) is arranged with a base identifier (22) by which the base (12) can be identified.