Blow-Molded Tool Kit With Removable Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool cases are inflexible and require separate designs for each tool type, leading to increased production costs and storage space, as they typically accommodate only one particular type of tool and have complex structures that can be easily misplaced.

Innovation Solution

A blow-molded tool kit with a master case and removable adapters that accommodate tools of different sizes, featuring a base and lid member with connectors for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for a single case to stock various adapters for different tool configurations, reducing the need for interior redesign and storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate tool cases are designed for each tool type, then each tool can be accommodated properly, but production costs increase and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool accommodation flexibilityVSAvoidcase design variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal tool case design with a standardized cavity that can accommodate multiple different tool types through the use of interchangeable adapters. The base case structure remains constant while adapters are added or removed to fit specific tool configurations, eliminating the need to design separate cases for each tool type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool case system is divided into modular components: a permanent base case and removable adapters. This segmentation allows the adapter portion to be customized for different tools while the base case remains unchanged, reducing overall design complexity and enabling flexible tool accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate tool cases are designed for each tool type, then each tool can be accommodated properly, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool type accommodationVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a universal base case that serves multiple tool types, the manufacturer produces fewer unique case designs, thereby reducing tooling costs, inventory requirements, and production complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate various tools through adapter selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple tool-specific case designs into a single universal case platform. Instead of manufacturing separate cases for each tool, the system merges their functions into one base case that works with all tools through the adapter mechanism, reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single case design is used for multiple tools, then production costs decrease, but tools of different sizes cannot be accommodated properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidtool size accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the tool accommodation function into the base case and separate adapter components. The base case provides a standardized structure for cost-effective production, while the adapters provide the size-specific adaptation needed to properly accommodate different tool dimensions and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the universal base case and the various tools. It mediates the interface, allowing the standardized case to work with non-standardized tools of different sizes by providing the appropriate geometric transition and secure mounting for each tool type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate cases are maintained for different tools, then each tool has dedicated storage, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated tool storageVSAvoidtotal storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate tool case storage solutions into a single universal case system. Instead of maintaining separate physical cases for different tools, the system combines them into one case with adapters, thereby reducing the total volume of storage equipment needed while still providing dedicated accommodation for each tool type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2517840B1Blow-molded tool kit

Publication Date: 2016.01.20 THE PLASTIC FORMING CO INC

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AI summary

A tool kit (10) for accommodating two tools (28,38,46) having different sizes is provided including a tool case (10) having a base member (12), a lid member (14) hingedly connected to the base member, and a tool cavity (22) formed by at least one of the base and lid members and having an inner surface. The tool kit further includes at least one adapter (30,40) fittable in the tool cavity and having an outer surface that corresponds to the inner surface of the tool cavity, wherein the inner surface of the tool cavity corresponds to an outer periphery of the first tool such that the first tool is securely retained in the tool cavity, and wherein the inner surface of the tool cavity and the outer surface of the adapter received in the tool cavity correspond to an outer periphery of the second tool such that the second tool is securely retained in the tool cavity.