Slotted End Frame Assembly for Vertical Retail Signage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display structures lack efficient and aesthetically pleasing solutions for extending signage without increasing their footprint, which limits the ability to provide additional marketing or navigational information to customers.
Innovation Solution
An end frame assembly comprising an elongated post and an arm with slots for sign holders, which can be securely attached to display structures, allowing signs to hang down and extend the display area vertically without expanding the structure's footprint, while providing additional support and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If signs are attached directly to display structures, then signage is provided, but the display structure footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning signage from a horizontal attachment to the display structure to a vertical suspension system. The end frame assembly with elongated post and arm creates a three-dimensional framework that suspends signs downward, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally. This resolves the contradiction by providing extensive signage area without increasing the display structure footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the sign holder and signs within the spatial envelope defined by the end frame assembly. The sign holder fits within the arm structure, and signs hang within the volume created by the post and arm configuration. This nested arrangement provides multiple layers of signage information without expanding the overall footprint of the display structure.
2Loss of information
If overhead signs are hung from surfaces, then general location information is provided, but additional marketing information cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The end frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates navigational orientation, and accommodates various types of signage including promotional, informational, and directional signs. The arm with slots can hold multiple sign holders simultaneously, allowing the same structure to convey different types of information (marketing, navigation, product details) without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the signage system into modular components: the end frame assembly, arm, sign holders, and individual signs. This segmentation allows different types of information to be displayed on separate, interchangeable sign elements that can be independently adjusted or replaced. The modular approach enables comprehensive information display while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Loss of information
If upright signs are positioned in aisles, then navigational information is provided, but display area is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves navigational signage from the horizontal aisle space to a vertical suspension system. The end frame assembly with its elongated post and arm creates overhead signage that provides navigational information without occupying aisle space. Customers can view the navigational signs while passing underneath, eliminating the need to allocate display area on the floor level.
4Area of stationary object
If display structure footprint is kept small, then space efficiency is improved, but signage display area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by exploiting the vertical dimension. The end frame assembly extends upward with an elongated post and arm, and signs hang downward from this vertical framework. This creates extensive signage display area in the vertical space above the display structure without requiring additional horizontal footprint, effectively multiplying the signage capacity within the same floor space.
Data Source
AI summary
An end frame assembly configured to be coupled to a product display structure includes an elongated post, an arm, and a sign holder. The arm is coupled to and extends away from a top end of the elongated post to define a free end opposite the elongated post, defines an internal cavity, and includes a bottom panel defining two or more slots extending longitudinally through the bottom panel of the arm between the free end and the elongated post. Each of the two or more slots provides access to the internal cavity. The sign holder defines a top edge including a rail section. The rail section slidably couples with the arm via one of the two or more slots and is at least partially maintained within the internal cavity of the arm. The sign holder extends through the slot and hangs downwardly from the bottom panel of the arm.