Universal Mount Bin Hooks for Wire Racks and Cross Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current retail display systems lack versatility in mounting options for receptacles on wire racks and cross bars, limiting display options for retailers with varied merchandise shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A universal mount system for receptacles, featuring hooks and retainers that can be molded as a single unit, allowing secure attachment to both wire racks and cross bars, with a snap feature to prevent accidental dislodgment, and adjustable divider walls for compartmentalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal mount system with hooks and retainers is used, then adaptability to different support structures (wire racks and cross bars) is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting versatilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system employs hooks and retainers that can universally attach to both wire racks and cross bars, allowing the same receptacle design to be used across different retail display configurations. The hooks engage with the support structure while retainers prevent dislodgment, creating a universal mounting solution that adapts to various merchandise display needs without requiring multiple specialized attachment mechanisms.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If hooks and retainers are molded as separate components, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hooks and retainers are molded as a single integrated unit rather than separate components. This merging of parts eliminates the need for precise alignment during assembly, as the entire mounting mechanism is formed in one molding operation. The single-piece construction maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring consistent positioning and reliable attachment to support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If retainers are positioned directly under hooks, then structural simplicity is improved, but reliability of attachment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is positioned offset from the hook rather than directly underneath it. This asymmetric arrangement creates a mechanical interference fit where the retainer engages with the support structure at a different location than the hook, preventing the receptacle from being accidentally dislodged vertically. The offset positioning provides enhanced attachment reliability by creating a more secure mechanical lock against gravitational and handling forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS8807353B2Over wire hook latching bin or tray
Publication Date: 2014.08.19 FASTENERS FOR RETAIL INC
  • US8807353B2 patent drawing
  • US8807353B2 patent drawing
  • US8807353B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A plastic molded bin that may universally mount to either of cross wires or cross bars in a retail merchandising environment as shown. The bin includes a receptacle and has hooks and retainers projecting from the back wall of the receptacle to provide for the universal mount structure. Partition walls with a mounting structure can be used to divide the merchandise holding chamber into different merchandising compartments.