Product Swatch Frame Assembly for Easy Display Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vending machines and coolers with complex designs face difficulties in replacing product images efficiently, leading to increased manufacturing and assembly costs, as well as errors in field operations due to numerous parts and obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A product display system utilizing a product swatch frame with convex surfaces and a flange configuration to support removable swatches, allowing for easy replacement and optimization of internal machine components without additional parts, while maintaining a realistic product shape and accommodating various product orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If complex designs with numerous parts and obstructions are used in vending machines and coolers, then product display functionality is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase and field operation errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated frame structure. The frame integrates support surfaces for product images, positioning features for swatches, and structural support elements into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate parts and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates positioning features for swatches, defines support surfaces for product images, and enables easy replacement of display elements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
2Productivity
If complex designs with numerous parts are used, then product display functionality is achieved, but assembly and replacement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into separable modules: a permanent frame structure and removable swatch elements. This segmentation allows the swatches to be easily replaced without disturbing the frame or other components, significantly improving maintenance and reconfiguration efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the product identification function into separate removable swatches that can be independently replaced. This extraction allows field operations to update product information without disassembling the entire display system or dealing with multiple fastening components
3Ease of manufacture
If additional parts are used to support product images, then display functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure merges support functions into its basic geometry. The convex surfaces and positioning features are integral to the frame itself rather than requiring separate support brackets, clips, or mounting hardware, thereby reducing part quantity and manufacturing costs
Data Source
AI summary
A product display may include a product swatch frame having a plurality of convex surfaces extending towards a front surface and defining product swatch support surfaces configured to support a swatch including a product identifier; and a flange configured to position the swatch provided between an adjacent pair of convex surfaces. A product merchandising system may include a housing having a front surface; and a product display disposed proximate the front surface.