Elastomeric Tool Rack with Segmented Bays for Anti-Skid Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the number of hand tools increases, existing storage methods become disorganized, making it difficult to find specific tools and recognize if tools are missing, as they are often haphazardly placed in tool boxes or drawers.

Innovation Solution

A tool storage rack with spaced receiving bays and an elastomeric base that provides cushioning and anti-skid properties, allowing for organized storage and easy access to tools, while preventing them from sliding or falling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If tools are stored in tool boxes or drawers without organization, then storage capacity is maximized, but tool accessibility and organization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidtool accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple vertically extending dividers that create separate receiving bays for different tools. Each divider segmentations the storage space to accommodate specific tool types, enabling organized storage while maintaining high storage capacity through efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If tools are placed haphazardly in storage, then storage flexibility is improved, but tool recognition and organization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidtool recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the storage rack are designed with different characteristics - vertically extending dividers for certain tools, angled transition regions for other tools. The elastomeric liner provides localized cushioning and grip properties. This local quality differentiation enables organized storage while maintaining flexibility for various tool types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If tools are stored without cushioning, then storage simplicity is improved, but tool protection from damage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoidtool damage from sliding

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An elastomeric liner is provided at the bottom of the storage rack to provide cushioning and grip before tools are placed. This beforehand cushioning prevents tools from sliding and protects them from damage during storage and retrieval, while the simplicity of a single liner component maintains storage simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 tool storage rack keeps tools organized, prevents them from sliding, and allows for quick recognition of missing tools, enhancing storage efficiency and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

An elastomeric base provides a cushioned grip to the tools and to grip to hold the rack in position in the tool drawer/box

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

An elastomeric base provides a cushioned grip to the tools

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10500712B2Tool storage rack

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 ERNST GREGORY R

AI summary

A tool storage rack provides receiving bays for positioning tools therein. An elastomeric portion of the rack provides gripping and cushioning for the tool and further provides gripping for lessening the chance of movement or sliding of the rack from position.