Radially Expandable Tool Holder Assembly for Watercraft Cup Holders
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Kayaks, canoes, and small light boats lack space and structural compatibility for tool storage, requiring a solution that is flexible, secure, and easy to install, while also maintaining containment integrity during capsize or adverse water conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder assembly with a rotatable body and base featuring radially expandable clamp members and O-rings, a containment net with hooks and clips, and a system allowing radial expansion and contraction to secure tools within a cup holder, ensuring easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool holder assembly is designed to be radially expandable for secure containment, then containment integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested O-rings positioned within grooves of the base assembly, where inner O-rings are contained within outer O-rings. This nested configuration allows multiple sealing and containment functions to be integrated into a compact structure, improving containment integrity without proportionally increasing device complexity. The O-rings work together in a nested arrangement to provide redundant sealing against water ingress while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder assembly incorporates a radially expandable base that can dynamically adjust its diameter. The base transitions between a first radial configuration (collapsed state) for easy insertion and a second radial configuration (expanded state) for secure containment. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements, providing reliable containment during capsize events while maintaining ease of installation and removal through the reversible expansion mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base is made radially expandable to accommodate various tools, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is segmented into multiple functional components including the radially expandable base structure, multiple O-rings positioned in grooves, and a tool holder portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a system. The expandable base can adjust its diameter to accommodate various tool sizes and configurations, while the segmented design with O-rings and grooves simplifies the operation by providing discrete, manageable elements that can be assembled and operated sequentially.
3Reliability
If multiple O-rings are used to secure clamp members, then containment integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested O-rings positioned within grooves of the base assembly, where inner O-rings are contained within outer O-rings. This nested configuration allows multiple sealing and containment functions to be integrated into a compact structure, improving containment integrity without proportionally increasing device complexity. The O-rings work together in a nested arrangement to provide redundant sealing against water ingress while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly structure.
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
Provides a secure, flexible, and easy-to-use tool storage solution that accommodates various tools and maintains containment integrity even in adverse conditions, with the ability to expand or contract for securement within the watercraft.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one O-ring to expand or contract radially
Implementation Method 2
A threadable member connects the body and the base assembly. A second retainer is threadably engaged to the threaded member and is axially displaceable thereon
Implementation Method 3
a second portion which comprises a wedge and a plurality of radially displaceable clamp members engageable by the wedge
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder assembly for a watercraft and other applications employs a base assembly which is radially expandable to engage the inner surface of a cup holder or similar structure. The upper portion of the tool holder assembly includes a container and a multitude of thin rods which engage and press against tools inserted into the container. A containment net is placed over the projecting top portions of the tools and is secured by clips which engage retainers mounted at the top portion of the container. The tool holder assembly is installed by relative rotation between the upper portion and the base assembly.