Pivoting Cosmetology Tool Storage Gate with Integrated Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage solutions for cosmetology tools do not efficiently organize and power multiple tools in a salon setting, leading to clutter and difficulty in accessing and powering equipment.

Innovation Solution

A pivotally coupled gate with integrated power strip and hooks that allows cosmetology tools to be stored and plugged in simultaneously, providing organized storage and easy access while being powered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional storage solutions are used for cosmetology tools, then tools can be stored, but workspace organization deteriorates and accessibility worsens due to clutter

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to cosmetology toolsVSAvoidWorkspace organization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines storage hooks and electrical power outlets into a single integrated wall-mounted unit. The hooks are positioned directly above corresponding outlets, merging the storage and power supply functions into one organized system. This eliminates the need for separate storage racks and power strips, reducing workspace clutter while improving accessibility to both tools and power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall-mounted unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for hanging tools via hooks, electrical power supply through outlets, and organized arrangement through numbered positioning. Each storage position is universally designed to accommodate different cosmetology tools while providing dedicated power access, creating a multi-functional solution that addresses both storage and power needs.

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

2Quantity of substance

If multiple cosmetology tools are stored without integrated power access, then storage capacity increases, but time to power tools increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNumber of cosmetology tools storedVSAvoidTime to access and power tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions electrical outlets directly behind each storage hook position before tools are hung. This preliminary arrangement of power access points eliminates the need to search for outlets or extend cords after retrieving tools. The numbered positioning (1-6) pre-establishes a systematic layout where each tool has its designated storage spot and corresponding power source ready in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By merging storage and power supply functions into a single integrated unit, the patent enables simultaneous access to both the tool and its power source. The outlets are positioned to align with hung tools, allowing cosmetologists to plug in tools immediately upon retrieval without additional movement or searching, thus reducing time loss while maintaining high storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If tools are stored in cluttered arrangements, then storage density improves, but workspace safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveStorage density of toolsVSAvoidWorkspace safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal/vertical cluttered storage to a structured wall-mounted vertical arrangement. By utilizing the vertical wall space with evenly spaced hooks and corresponding outlets, the system achieves high storage density in an organized manner. This dimensional reorganization eliminates floor clutter and creates clear workspace pathways, improving safety while maintaining efficient tool storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Each storage position in the wall-mounted unit is locally optimized with dedicated hooks and corresponding power outlets. This localized organization ensures that each tool has its own designated space and power access point, preventing random placement and clutter. The numbered positioning (1-6) creates distinct local zones that maintain order and safety while achieving efficient use of wall space for tool storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10299569B1Cosmetology tool storage assembly
Publication Date: 2019.05.28 TAYLOR FRANK
  • US10299569B1 patent drawing
  • US10299569B1 patent drawing
  • US10299569B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cosmetology tool storage assembly for storing and supplying electrical power for a plurality of cosmetology tools includes a gate that is pivotally coupled to a vertical support surface in a salon or the like. Thus, the gate is accessible to a cosmetologist working in the salon. A power strip is coupled to the gate and the power strip has a plurality of female electrical outlets positioned thereon. A plurality of hooks is included and each of the hooks is coupled to the gate. Each of the hooks engages and thusly suspends a respective one of a plurality of cosmetology tools for storage and each of the cosmetology tools can be plugged into a respective female electrical outlet.