Flexible Nesting Tool Trays for Curved, Sloped Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool trays do not efficiently conform to curved or contoured surfaces, slip or slide on sloped surfaces, and lack compact storage solutions that accommodate various tool sizes.
Innovation Solution
A set of flexible, durable tool trays that nest together, each with compartments designed to receive the next larger tray, allowing for compact storage and secure holding of standard mechanic's tools, and are constructed to fit contoured surfaces without slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If tool trays are made rigid for structural stability, then they maintain shape and strength, but they cannot conform to curved or contoured surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The tool tray is constructed from a flexible material such as rubber or elastomer that can conform to curved or contoured surfaces while maintaining structural integrity. The flexibility of the material allows it to adapt to various surface geometries without rigid support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray utilizes composite material properties combining flexibility and durability, potentially incorporating reinforcing elements within the flexible matrix to maintain strength while enabling conformability to complex surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If tool trays are made from smooth material for ease of cleaning, then they are easy to maintain, but they slip or slide on curved or sloped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The tray surface incorporates localized textured or patterned regions that provide friction and prevent slipping, while other areas remain smooth for ease of cleaning. This spatial variation in surface quality allows both non-slip performance and maintainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material itself provides conformability to curved surfaces, which inherently increases friction and prevents sliding, eliminating the need for additional non-slip features while maintaining ease of cleaning.
3Ease of operation
If tool trays are designed with fixed compartments for organized storage, then tools are securely organized, but the trays cannot be nested for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The trays are designed with nested compartments where smaller trays with their own compartments can be placed within larger trays. This nested structure allows each tray to maintain its organizational functionality while enabling compact storage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into multiple independent tray segments, each with its own compartments for organizing specific tools. These segmented trays can be independently configured and nested together, providing both organization and compactness.
4Quantity of substance
If tool trays are made large enough to hold all tools, then all tools can be stored in one tray, but they cannot be nested for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple trays of different sizes are designed to nest within each other, with each tray sized to hold specific tool categories. When not in use, the smaller trays nest within larger ones, achieving compact storage while maintaining adequate capacity for all tools across the set.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool storage system is segmented into multiple specialized trays rather than one large tray. Each tray is optimized for specific tool types, and the segmented design allows efficient nesting and compact storage while collectively providing comprehensive tool storage capacity.
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 trays effectively nest for efficient storage and shipment while securely holding tools, conforming to curved surfaces and preventing slippage, ensuring tools are protected and organized.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible base and a plurality of first compartments formed by first flexible dividing walls extending upwardly from the first base
Implementation Method 2
the trays are composed of material so as not to slip or slide on a curved or sloped placement surface
Data Source
AI summary
A set (10) of tool trays (12, 14, and 16) that are of flexible construction to conform to a curved or otherwise contoured surface on which the trays. The trays are composed of material so as not to slip or skid on the curved or sloped placement surface. Also, the tool trays (12, 14, and 16) nest together each tray into the next larger tray for compact storage or shipment while also providing compartments large enough to be functional to hold mechanics tools.