Rotational Baseplate Attachment for Reconfigurable Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slatwall systems are inflexible, prone to damage, and lack structural support, making them unsuitable for temporary or reconfigurable installations, and they fail to provide tools for assembly, especially when subjected to lateral or rotational forces.

Innovation Solution

The development of a display attachment system featuring a baseplate with rotational capabilities, clearance portions, and engagement portions that can be securely fastened to a display panel, providing structural support and serving as a tool during assembly, while also allowing for various configurations and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional slatwall systems are used, then they provide basic display functionality, but they lack structural support and are prone to damage under lateral or rotational forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support to the display panel, serves as an attachment point for ancillary articles, and functions as a tool for assembling the display panel. This integration strengthens the overall system by consolidating support and attachment functions in one robust element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The baseplate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the display panel structure, provides attachment points for hooks and shelves, and acts as an assembly tool during installation. This multi-functionality increases structural support without adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional slatwall systems are used, then they provide basic attachment functionality, but they are inflexible and cannot be easily reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate incorporates a rotational mechanism that allows it to rotate between a transport position (flat against the panel) and an operational position (perpendicular to the panel). This dynamic capability enables easy reconfiguration and adaptation to different display arrangements without requiring complex assembly tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The baseplate is pre-configured with engagement portions and clearance portions that automatically align with corresponding features on the display panel during rotation. This preliminary design of the rotational mechanism allows for quick reconfiguration without requiring precise manual alignment or complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional slatwall systems are used, then they provide basic display support, but they cannot serve as assembly tools during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly tool functionalityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate combines the functions of a structural support element and an assembly tool into one component. During installation, the baseplate's rotational mechanism and engagement features serve as built-in tools for assembling the display panel, eliminating the need for separate assembly tools and simplifying the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The baseplate is designed to be self-installing through its rotational mechanism. The clearance portions and engagement portions work together to guide the baseplate into the correct position and secure it to the display panel automatically during rotation, making the assembly process simpler and requiring fewer external tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Force

If conventional slatwall hooks are used, then they can support vertical loads, but they cannot withstand lateral forces or rotational forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidforce resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate's rotational mechanism incorporates curved surfaces and rounded edges that allow it to smoothly transition between positions while distributing lateral and rotational forces evenly across its structure. This curvature design enables the baseplate to withstand multidirectional forces that would dislodge conventional straight hooks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The baseplate appears to be constructed from a robust material composite that combines strength and flexibility, enabling it to withstand vertical loads, lateral forces, and rotational forces simultaneously. This composite construction provides superior force resistance compared to conventional single-material hooks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11672361B2Display panel attachment methods
Publication Date: 2023.06.13 KELLER JEFFREY STEFFEN
  • US11672361B2 patent drawing
  • US11672361B2 patent drawing
  • US11672361B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods of attaching hooks, fixtures, assemblies, brackets, shelves, attachment points, supports, tools, bins, and similar apparatus to a display panel. Some disclosed attachments include a baseplate having a rotational axis around which the baseplate is rotated during installation. The baseplate defines at least one clearance providing clearance between the baseplate perimeter edge and a display panel when the baseplate is rotated into position. The baseplate may also include at least one engagement portion limiting the baseplate from being further rotated around the baseplate axis in the installation direction, upon engagement with the display.