Sliding Display Panel Layout for Two-Side Product Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product display systems do not effectively allow customers to access products from either side of a sliding panel, limiting visibility and accessibility of products displayed on pegboards.
Innovation Solution
A sliding panel structure supported by upper and lower tracks, with the panel having indicia for product information and being movable between the customer location and the display area, allowing horizontal movement and vertical adjustment of the lower frame to accommodate product sizes, enabling access to products from either side edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sliding panel is used to cover the display area, then product protection and information display are improved, but customer accessibility from multiple sides deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into multiple independent sliding panels (first sliding panel, second sliding panel, third sliding panel, fourth sliding panel) that can move separately. Each panel serves a specific side of the display area, allowing customers to access products from multiple sides while maintaining protection when panels are in closed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-panel linear movement to a multi-panel three-dimensional arrangement around the display area. Panels are positioned at different locations (front, sides, back) and can move independently along their respective tracks, creating a spatial configuration that enables multi-directional access while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If the panel width equals the display area width, then full coverage is improved, but customer access from either side deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one wide panel that would block access, the system segments the coverage function across multiple narrower panels positioned at different locations. The first and second panels cover the front area, while the third and fourth panels cover the back area, allowing customers to access products from the sides by moving panels out of the way.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to be dynamically movable along tracks rather than fixed in position. This dynamic capability allows panels to shift between covering positions and access positions, providing full coverage when needed while enabling side access when customers approach from the sides.
3Device complexity
If the lower frame structure is fixed vertically, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different product sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lower frame structure is designed with vertical adjustability, allowing it to move up and down along the posts relative to the upper frame structure. This dynamic positioning capability enables the display system to accommodate products of varying heights without requiring a complete redesign of the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable lower frame structure provides universal adaptability to different product sizes and configurations. By allowing vertical repositioning, the same frame structure can accommodate various product types (hanging products, shelf products, different heights) making the display system versatile for different retail needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a display structure that supports products in a display area within reach of a customer location. The apparatus further includes a panel structure supported for movement along upper and lower tracks. The panel structure has a transparent viewing section and indicia relating to the products, but is not configured to support any products itself. The panel structure also has horizontally opposite side edges spaced apart at a width that is less than the width of the display area. A frame structure supports the upper and lower tracks at locations that provide the panel structure with a path of movement interposed between the customer location and the display area. The path of movement includes positions in which the display area can be reached from the customer location past either of the opposite side edges of the panel structure.