Electronic display system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic display systems for retail, such as ESLs, are typically designed as single-use housings that cannot accommodate different or repaired display devices, leading to unnecessary replacement and waste, especially when a display device fails.

Innovation Solution

A housing system comprising two plastic parts with recesses that form passages for electrical contact elements, allowing for reversible and reusable installation of electronic display devices, enabling multiple uses and easy removal without damaging the housing, and a channel system for efficient power supply through conductive tracks and terminating devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single-use housing is used to accommodate the electronic display device, then the housing can be manufactured simply and cheaply, but the housing cannot be reused after the display device fails, leading to waste and increased costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidhousing reusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two separable parts (first housing part and second housing part) that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the display device to be removed and replaced while keeping the housing structure intact, enabling reuse of the housing after device failure or obsolescence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing transitions from a static, permanent structure to a dynamic, reversible structure. The two housing parts can be connected and disconnected, allowing the housing to adapt between different states (assembled/disassembled) to facilitate device replacement and housing reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the electronic display device is permanently fixed in the housing, then the housing provides stable protection, but the entire housing must be replaced when the display device fails, increasing waste and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing protection stabilityVSAvoiddisplay device replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the housing into two detachable parts, the invention enables the display device to be accessed and replaced independently without compromising the protective function of the housing structure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows the display device to be discarded and replaced while the housing structure is recovered and reused. The detachable housing parts enable selective replacement of only the faulty component (display device) rather than the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If traditional cabling methods are used for power supply, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation complexity and cabling costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcabling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is merged with the electrical connection system through integrated contact elements and conductive tracks. This combination eliminates the need for separate external cabling, as power and data connections are established through the housing structure itself when the two parts are connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical protection, structural support, and electrical connection. The contact elements and conductive tracks integrated into the housing enable the housing to provide both physical enclosure and electrical pathways, reducing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3609368B1Electronic display system
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 REHAU AG & CO
  • EP3609368B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3609368B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3609368B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a housing (200) for receiving an electronic display device (19) for displaying product-related information, said housing (200) comprising a first and a second housing part (202, 204) which are made of a plastic material and can be brought into contact and connected in order to close said housing (200), both the first and the second housing part (202, 204) having at least one recess (206, 208), wherein the recess (206) of the first housing part (202) and the recess (208) of the second housing part (204) form, together, at least one passage (210, 212) when the housing (200) is closed, said passage (210) being intended for guiding through at least one electrical contact element (28) of an electronic display device (19) received in said housing (200).