Table display system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retailers face challenges in creating aesthetically appealing and secure display areas for electronic devices that also provide power and data, while managing temperature and minimizing the need for multiple power adapters due to the variety of voltage requirements among electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A modular display table system with a glass panel, rotatable display panel, integrated power/data supply, and a DC-to-DC converter that can convert a single DC input voltage to multiple output voltages, ensuring secure, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing display with adaptable power solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secure display area is provided for electronic devices, then product security and aesthetic appeal are improved, but access to products becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct securityVSAvoidaccess to products
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is made rotatable about a hinge, transforming from a static secure barrier to a dynamic access mechanism. When rotated, the display panel moves from covering the cavity to allowing access, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility by enabling controlled movement between these states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power adapters are provided for different voltage requirements, then compatibility with various electronic devices is improved, but device complexity and clutter increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with devicesVSAvoidnumber of adapters
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is designed with a DC-to-DC converter that can output multiple voltages (5V, 12V, 24V) from a single input, making one power adapter universal for different device requirements. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized adapters while maintaining compatibility with various electronic devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If a glass panel is used to define the display cavity, then aesthetic appeal and product visibility are improved, but structural strength and security may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct visibilityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The display cavity structure combines glass panels with metal framing and support structures. The glass provides visibility and aesthetic appeal while the metal components contribute structural strength and security, creating a composite structure that achieves both transparency and durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3188619B1Table display system
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 APPLE INC
  • EP3188619B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3188619B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3188619B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display apparatus, such as a table, for display consumer products, such as electronic devices, is disclosed. The table may include a display cavity (141) for displaying products. The display cavity (141) may include a transparent glass panel (120) defining a top portion thereof so as to allow consumers to view products housed within the display cavity (141). The table may include a lighting system (250) configured to illuminate at least a portion of the display cavity (141). The table may also include a cooling system (240) for maintaining or modifying the temperature within the display cavity (141). A rotatable display panel (160) defining at least a portion of the bottom of display cavity may rotate from the bottom of the table to allow a user can access the products within the display cavity.