Flexible Magnetic Socket Holder with Embedded Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket holders are prone to sockets falling off and are not suitable for use in tight or irregularly shaped workspaces, as they lack effective retention mechanisms and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A flexible magnetic socket holder made of thermoplastic rubber or silicone with perpendicular magnets under each post to secure sockets and attach to various ferrous surfaces, allowing for secure socket retention and versatile surface attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid socket holder is used, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to tight or irregularly shaped workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The socket holder uses a flexible strip made of elastomeric material that can conform to various surfaces including curved and irregular shapes. This flexible shell allows the holder to adapt to different workspaces while maintaining its structural integrity through the embedded magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder combines elastomeric material with magnetic elements to create a composite structure. The elastomeric material provides flexibility and conformability to surfaces, while the embedded magnets provide holding force for the sockets, achieving both adaptability and functional stability.
2Reliability
If magnets are embedded in the socket holder, then sockets are securely retained, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic elements are divided into discrete segments embedded at specific intervals along the flexible strip. Each magnet serves as an independent retention point for sockets, allowing for secure holding while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to a continuous magnetic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The same flexible strip with embedded magnets serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables conformation to various surfaces, and retains sockets through magnetic force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the socket holder is made flexible, then it can attach to various shaped surfaces, but the structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of elastomeric material with embedded magnetic elements creates a composite structure where the flexible strip provides surface conformity while the magnets provide structural stability and holding force, maintaining both adaptability and stability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strip has different local properties: it is flexible and conformable in the bulk material, but gains local rigidity and stability at points where magnets are embedded. This local quality enhancement maintains structural stability while preserving overall flexibility for surface adaptation.
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 flexible magnetic socket holder effectively keeps sockets in place and can be attached to any shape ferrous surface, preventing socket loss and enabling use in tight or irregularly shaped workspaces.
Implementation Method 1
The magnets are inserted from the side or bottom of the elongated strip thereby allowing for the sockets to magnetically grip the top of the flexible elongated strip
Implementation Method 2
The magnets are also preferably exposed from the underside of the elongated strip and allow the strip through the magnets to grip any shape/arc/angled ferrous surface
Implementation Method 3
The first side wall and the retaining member have an opening adapted to receive the magnet and retain the magnet by friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible magnetic socket holder is disclosed having a flexible elongated strip having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The top wall has a plurality of posts each adapted to receive a socket and having an opening on each side of the posts for exposing a magnet. The bottom wall has a retaining member extending downwardly from the bottom wall and adapted to receive the magnet. The first side wall and the retaining member have an opening adapted to receive the magnet and retain the magnet by friction fit. The second side wall is adapted to retain the magnet in the retaining member. The magnet is inserted in the retaining member through the opening in the first side wall and the retaining member. The top wall of the flexible elongated strip is adapted to magnetically hold the sockets at each post and the bottom wall of the flexible elongated strip is adapted to magnetically attach to different shaped ferrous surfaces.