Stepped Hanger Crosspiece Layout for Clear Garment Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display units for articles on hangers, such as textiles, fail to effectively present diverse items by color, size, or type, as they are typically aligned compactly, making it difficult for customers to visualize each type without removing them from the alignment.

Innovation Solution

A display unit with a frame featuring vertical uprights, horizontal longitudinal members at different heights, and a suspension cross member with a rectilinear reinforcing tube and a stepped suspension rod, allowing for staggered hanging of articles and improving visibility by concealing hook heads, with adjustable fixing means for varying article presentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If articles are arranged in a compact alignment on a single horizontal cross member, then the display structure is simple and stable, but customers cannot directly visualize each type of article without extracting it from the alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomer visualization capabilityVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-level compact alignment to a multi-level stepped arrangement where articles are suspended at different heights. The cross member features stepped sections that create vertical differentiation, allowing customers to view multiple article types simultaneously without extraction. This dimensional change from 2D compact layout to 3D stepped layout resolves the visualization problem while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the two longitudinal members are at different heights relative to the base, then customers can view each article, but the display is not suitable for articles placed on hangers with hooks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticle visibilityVSAvoidcompatibility with hanger hooks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cross member is designed with differentiated local characteristics: stepped sections with specific geometries tailored for hook engagement. Each stepped section provides a localized configuration that accommodates hanger hooks while maintaining the overall stepped profile for article visibility. This local quality adaptation allows the structure to serve both visibility and hanger compatibility functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rectilinear reinforcing tube is added to the suspension cross member, then the display stability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay stabilityVSAvoidcross member structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rectilinear reinforcing tube is merged with the stepped suspension cross member into an integrated structure. The reinforcing tube serves dual purposes: it provides structural stability and rigidity while simultaneously forming part of the stepped profile that enables article visibility. This merging eliminates the need for separate reinforcing elements, maintaining simplicity while achieving enhanced stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1849381B1Display unit for articles arranged on hangers comprising hanging cross-pieces in stair formation
Publication Date: 2010.07.21 NEGOTAP
  • EP1849381B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1849381B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

The rack has front and rear vertical rails (5, 5`) placed at corners of a base (4). Front and rear horizontal rails (6, 6`) extend between upper ends of the rails (5, 5`), where the rails (6, 6`) are provided at respective heights with respect to the base. A suspension crosspiece extends between the rails (6, 6`) and is composed of a rectilinear reinforcement tube (9) and a suspension rod fixed under the tube. The crosspiece comprises a series of suspension zones that are provided as a staircase for permitting the suspension of hangers in which articles e.g. textile article, are placed.