Display assemblies for surfacing materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying surfacing materials, such as flooring samples, face challenges in providing an accurate visualization of larger scales due to the heaviness, cost, and impracticality of large physical samples, making it difficult for buyers to visualize the material in a larger application setting.
Innovation Solution
A display assembly comprising a surfacing material sample with a first pattern and a printed display with a second pattern, where the sample is coupled to the display to create a 1:1 scale representation, allowing for a coordinated visualization of the material's installation, using printed materials like paper or plastic, and optionally including grout illustrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large physical samples are used to display surfacing materials, then the visualization scale is improved, but the weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses printed displays as copies or representations of the actual surfacing materials. Instead of using full-size physical samples, the invention creates visual copies through printed images that replicate the appearance, patterns, and textures of the surfacing materials at a reduced scale, allowing buyers to visualize the materials without handling heavy physical samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed display serves as an intermediary between the actual surfacing material and the buyer. It mediates the visualization process by providing a scaled representation that conveys the essential visual characteristics of the material without requiring the presence of the actual large-scale physical sample.
2Area of stationary object
If large physical samples are used to display surfacing materials, then the visualization scale is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive full-scale physical sample production with cost-effective printed copies. The printed displays can be mass-produced using standard printing techniques, significantly reducing the cost per unit compared to manufacturing actual large-scale surfacing material samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed displays are inexpensive, single-use or limited-use visual aids that can be easily produced and discarded or replaced. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, durable physical samples while providing sufficient visualization for the sales process.
3Area of stationary object
If large physical samples are used to display surfacing materials, then the visualization scale is improved, but the ease of transportation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed display copies provide a lightweight alternative to heavy physical samples. These visual representations can be easily transported, stored, and handled without the logistical challenges associated with moving large-scale surfacing material samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential visual information from the actual surfacing materials and presents it in a condensed, portable format. This extraction process removes the unnecessary bulk and weight while retaining the key visual characteristics needed for buyer evaluation.
4Weight of stationary object
If small samples are used to display surfacing materials, then the weight and cost are reduced, but the visualization of larger scale installation is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The printed displays incorporate nested visual information by including multiple elements within a single display unit. The displays can show individual tile patterns, grout lines, and overall installation layouts in a hierarchical arrangement, allowing buyers to see both detailed material characteristics and the broader installation context within one compact visual representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional small physical samples to multi-element printed displays that represent three-dimensional installation scenarios. By using perspective views, overhead layouts, and cross-sectional representations in the printed displays, the invention conveys spatial and installation pattern information that small physical samples cannot provide.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for displaying a surfacing material can comprise a surfacing material sample defining a first pattern and a printed display having an illustration of the surfacing material. The printed display can define a second pattern. The illustration of the surfacing material can define at least a portion of the second pattern. The surfacing material sample can cover and couple to a portion of the printed display. A scale between the second pattern and the first pattern can be 1:1 so that the first pattern of the surfacing material sample cooperates with the second pattern of the printed display to provide a coordinated visualization of an installation of the surfacing material.