Anti-theft Rack Retaining Device for Socket Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket tool racks lack a reusable and secure anti-theft mechanism that effectively prevents unauthorized removal of tools without compromising their usability.

Innovation Solution

An anti-theft rack design featuring a retaining device with a sliding member and a position limiter, allowing the retaining member to move between recessed positions, providing secure engagement and disengagement of socket tools, and utilizing a biasing member for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a disposable strut is used in the retaining device, then the tool can be securely retained, but the retaining device cannot be reused after the strut is cut off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of tool retentionVSAvoidreusability of retaining device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by designing a reusable retaining device where the sliding member can be moved between positions to release the tool, and then re-engage to retain the tool again. The retaining member is recovered and reused multiple times without being discarded after each use, unlike the disposable strut in prior art.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a sliding member that can move between a first position (retention) and a second position (release). This dynamic movement allows the retaining device to transition between securing and releasing the tool, enabling reusable operation without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the sliding member is allowed to move freely between positions, then the tool can be easily released, but the anti-theft function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tool releaseVSAvoidanti-theft security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a position limiter as a mediating component between the sliding member and the tool. The position limiter controls and restricts the sliding member's movement, allowing easy release when needed while preventing unauthorized removal by limiting the sliding member's range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by using a position limiter that changes the positional parameters of the sliding member. The position limiter restricts the sliding member to specific movement parameters, enabling controlled release while maintaining security against unauthorized removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the retaining device uses a complex locking mechanism, then the anti-theft function is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft effectivenessVSAvoidcomplexity of retaining device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the retaining device into distinct functional segments: a seat, a sliding member, a retaining member, and a position limiter. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the anti-theft mechanism to be effective while maintaining relatively simple individual components that are easy to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures secure retention and easy release of socket tools, providing an effective anti-theft mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal while maintaining tool accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

a sliding member slidably engaged with the seat... The sliding member is movable with respect to the seat between a first position in which the retaining member is disposed in the first recessed portion and a second position in which the retaining member is disposed in the second recessed portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a biasing member for enhanced security

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10421175B2Anti-theft rack for socket tools

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 RE DAI PRECISION TOOLS

AI summary

An anti-theft rack includes a rack frame supporting at least one retaining device. The at least one retaining device is configured to retain a socket tool and includes a seat mounted on the rack frame, a sliding member slidably engaged with the seat, and a retaining member disposed between the seat and the sliding member. The seat includes a shaft portion and the sliding member is movably mounted on the shaft portion. The shaft portion includes a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion of different depths adapted to receive the retaining member. The retaining member is selectively disposed in the first and second recessed portions in response to movement of the sliding member. Further, a position limiter is releasably disposed between two terminal positions of a moving path of the sliding member and configured to prevent the sliding member from the first position to the second position.