Rotatable Shelf Tiers for FIFO Sales Display Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelves in supermarkets face difficulties in loading goods efficiently, as each tier needs to be pulled out and equipped, which is cumbersome and often disrupts the 'first in - first out' system, leading to older goods remaining unsold due to new items being placed in front of them.
Innovation Solution
The shelves are designed with extendable tiers that can be rotated, allowing for easy loading by dividing each tier into two parts, where the upper part can be rotated 180° to maintain the 'first-in first-out' system, with locking mechanisms using detents and rollers to secure the position without interfering with the stand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each floor is pulled out and equipped manually, then goods can be loaded, but the process is cumbersome and disrupts the first-in-first-out system
Solution Approach 1:
The floor is divided into two separable parts: a first part that remains stationary on the stand and a second part that can be rotated and removed. This segmentation allows the second part to be easily detached for loading while the first part maintains the structural connection to the stand, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part of the floor is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed. By introducing rotational movement, the loading process becomes dynamic and efficient - the second part can be rotated into position for loading and then rotated back to secure goods, eliminating the need for complete removal and reinstallation while maintaining first-in-first-out inventory management.
2Ease of operation
If the second part is made detachable for easy exchange, then loading becomes easier, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses self-aligning features where the second part automatically engages with the first part through its rotational movement. The detent and roller elements lock automatically when the second part is rotated into position, eliminating the need for complex manual locking procedures or additional actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of circular detents and rollers provides smooth rotational movement and automatic engagement. The curved geometry of these locking elements allows the second part to rotate freely during loading and then lock securely in place, simplifying the overall locking mechanism while maintaining ease of exchange.
3Productivity
If the floor is rotated 180° for loading, then first-in-first-out system is maintained, but the stand may interfere with rotation movement
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the floor into two parts allows the second part to rotate independently without the entire assembly interfering with the stand. This segmentation enables smooth 180° rotation for maintaining first-in-first-out inventory while the first part remains stationary and connected to the stand structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates potential interference by positioning the second part for rotation before loading occurs. The separable construction allows the second part to be pre-positioned and rotated into the loading position, ensuring smooth movement while the first part remains fixed to prevent interference with the stand.
Data Source
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AI summary
The sales device with stands and shelves (3), has each shelf formed in two sections, wherein a second section (5) is rotatably mounted on the first section (4). The second section is rotatably mounted above the first section. Every second section preferably has rollers which are preferably arranged in each case with a spacing of 90 degrees to each other. Each first section has a fixture which has locking devices.