Self-Supporting Wire Module for Adaptable Display Case Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular display cases require significant time and are not adaptable to variable object formats due to fixed geometries, making them difficult to assemble and modify for correct display of objects with diverse dimensions and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A self-supporting module made from a ribbed wire-shaped reinforcing bar with multiple flat faces, allowing for versatile positioning and configuration without the need for fixing or mounting, enabling easy assembly, modification, and transport, and accommodating objects of various formats and dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If modular display cases are assembled using fixing accessories such as brackets, screws, nuts and bolts according to predetermined geometries, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display case is divided into modular components (vertical bars, horizontal bars, shelves) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component has standardized connection features that simplify assembly while maintaining structural integrity through distributed connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing accessories are designed with universal connection features that can be used across different modules and configurations. The same bracket and screw design can accommodate various bar sizes and positions, reducing the variety of parts needed and simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If modular display cases use fixed predetermined geometries for assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to variable object formats deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidadaptability to object formats

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display case system incorporates adjustable elements that allow post-assembly modification. Shelves can be repositioned at different heights, and modules can be reconfigured to change the overall geometry, enabling adaptation to various object formats while maintaining precise connections through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows modification of key parameters such as shelf positions, module arrangements, and display compartment dimensions. By changing these parameters within the standardized module framework, the display case can adapt to different object sizes and shapes while maintaining manufacturing precision through consistent connection geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If fixing accessories are used to assemble display case components, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and ease of assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fixing functions are combined into integrated connection components. The brackets are designed to simultaneously provide mechanical support, structural strengthening, and alignment features, reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features. The brackets and connection elements are designed to automatically position themselves during assembly and lock into place through inherent mechanical features, reducing the need for complex alignment procedures and multiple fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular display cases are designed with multiple components requiring fixing, then the adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the ease of operation and transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidease of assembly and transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display case is divided into modular components that can be independently handled, transported, and assembled. This segmentation allows flexible configuration changes by simply adding or removing modules without requiring complete disassembly, improving both adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Modules are pre-assembled with connection features and internal structures before delivery. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid on-site assembly and reconfiguration, reducing the complexity of field operations while maintaining configuration flexibility through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3328243B1Support element or module for a display case of objects

Publication Date: 2019.12.25 KINDOF FURNITURE SAGL

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Figure 6~8

AI summary

A module (1) for a display case of objects (34), is constituted by a self-supporting wire-shaped element (2) made up by a reinforcing bar profiled into at least three different planes (A, B, C),