Product presentation system with power supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining product-related purchasing behavior in retail environments are labor-intensive and technically complex, requiring extensive personnel and technical effort to track inventory and customer interactions.

Innovation Solution

A product presentation system featuring an elongated base body made of plastic with attached signaling devices that detect hand movements approaching or moving away from storage devices, simplifying the collection of data on customer interactions and purchasing behavior through electrical signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional inventory control methods are used to determine purchasing behavior, then data can be collected, but the process becomes labor-intensive and technically complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurchasing behavior dataVSAvoidinventory control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inventory control methods with an automated sensing system. Motion detectors (acoustic/ultrasonic sensors) automatically detect customer hand movements near products, eliminating the need for manual tracking and significantly reducing both labor requirements and system complexity while capturing purchasing behavior data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service data collection by using motion detectors that automatically sense and record customer interactions with products. The sensors independently detect hand movements, generate electrical signals, and provide data without requiring human intervention, thus simplifying the overall system operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If manual inventory recording is performed to track purchasing behavior, then data collection is possible, but significant personnel effort is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomer interaction dataVSAvoiddata collection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual inventory recording is replaced with automated motion detection technology. The system uses acoustic or ultrasonic sensors to automatically detect customer hand movements, convert them into electrical signals, and record data without requiring personnel effort, thereby dramatically improving data collection efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces motion detectors as intermediary devices between customers and the data collection system. These sensors act as mediators that automatically sense customer interactions and translate them into usable data, eliminating the need for direct human involvement in the data collection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If complex technical systems are used to determine purchasing behavior, then data accuracy can be maintained, but the system becomes difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurchasing behavior detectionVSAvoidsystem installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into simple, modular components: base bodies with integrated motion detectors that can be independently attached to shelves. Each unit operates autonomously, detecting hand movements and generating signals. This modular approach maintains detection precision while significantly simplifying installation and operation compared to complex integrated systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Significantly reduces the effort required to determine product-related purchasing behavior by providing automated and personnel-independent data collection, allowing for more efficient analysis of customer intentions and purchasing patterns.

Implementation Method 1

at least one signaling device attached to the base body, which is provided for signaling a hand movement approaching the storage device and/or for signaling a hand movement moving away from the storage device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3559547B1Product presentation system with power supply
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 REHAU IND SE & CO KG
  • EP3559547B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3559547B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3559547B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (200), comprising an elongate main body (202) made of a plastic material for attaching to a shelf device (70) of a goods rack (236) and comprising at least one signaling apparatus (204), which is attached to the main body (202) and which is provided for signaling a hand motion toward the shelf device (70) and/or for signaling a hand motion away from the shelf device (70).