Carousel Tool Holder Locking for Fast Extrication Tool Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carousel-type tool holders for hydraulic extrication tools face challenges in securing and stabilizing elongated tools, especially during emergency operations, due to the irregular shapes and sizes of tools, and the need for quick access under time-critical and low-visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
The tool holder design includes a rotating platform with adjustable mounts and spacers that allow for customizable positioning to secure tools of varying shapes and sizes, along with a locking mechanism that prevents rotation without the need for removing fasteners, ensuring stability and rapid access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If provisions such as pins, bolts, or latches are used to secure the rotating portion of the tool holder against rotation, then the tools can be securely stored during transport, but the need to remove or actuate these provisions to unlock the rotating portion delays time-critical rescue operations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating platform incorporates a self-locking feature where friction between the platform and base automatically secures the platform in position during transport without requiring external locking mechanisms. This allows the platform to remain stable during vehicle movement while enabling rapid manual rotation and access during emergency operations, eliminating the time delay associated with traditional locking provisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked/unlocked state to a dynamic friction-based system where the platform can be easily rotated when force is applied but naturally resists rotation during transport. The friction characteristic allows the platform to be held in various positions without active locking while remaining easily movable when needed
2Device complexity
If the tool holder uses fixed mounting positions for tools, then the structure is simpler, but the irregular shape and size of hydraulic extrication tools make it difficult to secure them and maintain them in the upright position
Solution Approach 1:
The mount includes an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the securing position to be dynamically changed along the length of the tool. This enables the same simple structural design to adapt to tools of varying lengths and shapes, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility in accommodating different hydraulic extrication tool configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into multiple discrete positioning locations along the tool length, allowing selective engagement at different points. This segmentation enables accommodation of various tool shapes and sizes by engaging the tool at appropriate positions while keeping the overall structure simple and modular
3Quantity of substance
If multiple tools are stored in a side by side arrangement on a single tool holder, then the storage capacity is improved, but the tools need to be securely restrained to maintain stability during transport in emergency vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
Each tool secured by the mount benefits from the self-locking friction mechanism, where the rotational friction automatically restrains the tool's position during transport without requiring additional active locking components. This allows multiple tools to be stored side by side with each independently stabilized by the same friction principle
Solution Approach 2:
The mount combines multiple securing functions into a single device: positioning along the tool length, vertical orientation maintenance, and rotational restraint during transport. This integration allows multiple tools to be securely held in a compact side-by-side arrangement while maintaining stability through a unified friction-based restraint mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Carousel-type tool holders are provided for holding elongated tools such as hydraulic extrication tools. The tool holders can be equipped with spacers and extension plates that allow the tool holders to be configured to accommodate tools of different shapes and sizes. The tool holders also can be equipped with anti-rotation features that lock the rotating portion of the tool holder against rotation, while permitting the rotating portion to be unlocked quickly and with minimal effort.