Roller rack assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller shelf systems face challenges in maintaining product visibility and accessibility as products are removed, leading to a need for an improved assembly that simplifies installation and ensures easy product movement towards the consumer.
Innovation Solution
A roller rack assembly featuring a support tray with a roller track assembly, including a pusher mechanism and torsion spring to urge products forward, along with a U-shaped design for secure attachment and adjustable components for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spring-pusher roller assemblies are used, then products can be urged forward to the front, but the assembly becomes complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is divided into separate modular components: a roller tray with pre-attached rollers, a separate pusher mechanism with spring, and end caps. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining the functional capability of urging products forward.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher mechanism is designed to be installed in a single direction with the spring automatically engaging its mounting points. The spring-loaded pusher self-adjusts as products are removed, maintaining constant pressure on the product row without requiring complex control mechanisms or manual intervention.
2Device complexity
If gravity-based angled rollers are used, then assembly is simplified, but product visibility and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roller tray is designed with a horizontal base for stability and product visibility, while the pusher mechanism provides dynamic forward urging force. This combination allows products to remain visible on a level surface while still being actively pushed forward when removed, achieving both accessibility and visibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher mechanism acts as an intermediary between the static roller tray and the products. It transfers the spring force to the products, enabling controlled forward movement without requiring the entire tray to be angled, thus maintaining product visibility while improving accessibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed roller track configurations are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different product sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roller tray is constructed from modular components including adjustable lateral supports and reconfigurable roller arrangements. This segmentation allows the same basic tray design to be adapted for different product sizes and display configurations without requiring entirely different manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral supports are designed to be adjustable in position, allowing the roller track width and configuration to be dynamically changed to accommodate different product sizes. This adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical means that maintain manufacturing simplicity while providing versatility.
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 ensures easy assembly and efficient product movement towards the consumer, maintaining product visibility and accessibility while allowing for adjustable configurations to accommodate various product sizes and display needs.
Implementation Method 1
A roller rack assembly for storing and displaying one or more products includes a pusher mechanism including a pusher back located above the roller track and a spring mechanism biasing the pusher back toward the front end of the roller track for urging products in front of the pusher back to slide on the rollers toward the front end of the roller track
Implementation Method 2
a spring mechanism biasing the pusher back toward the front end of the roller track
Implementation Method 3
A roller rack assembly includes a support tray, and a roller track assembly on the support tray. The roller track assembly includes at least one roller track with a front end, a rear end, a bottom and two spaced apart side walls. A plurality of rollers are mounted to the roller track
Data Source
AI summary
A roller rack assembly for storing and displaying one or more products, the roller rack assembly including a support tray and a roller track assembly disposed on the support tray. The roller track assembly includes at least one roller track, a front end cap attached to a front end of the roller track, and a rear end cap attached to a rear end of the roller track. A plurality of cylindrical rollers are mounted to the roller track and arranged parallel to one another, with lateral sides perpendicular to a rotational axis. Each roller has an axle extending out of each lateral side. Each axle is mounted to a side wall of the roller track. A pusher mechanism is provided that includes a pusher back located above the roller track and a spring mechanism biasing the pusher back toward the front end of the roller track.