Flexible Tool Holder With Segmented Straps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket wrench storage solutions are either bulky and rigid, making them difficult to transport and store a large number of sockets securely, or they compromise on security and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A flexible tool holder made of foldable material with discrete sections and straps that can be compacted and expanded, featuring semi-rigid material for added rigidity and protection, allowing secure storage and transport of multiple socket wrenches and accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid storage devices like toolboxes with compartments or racks with attachment points are used, then security for storing sockets is improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidbulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into multiple discrete sections, each capable of independently holding tools. These sections can be folded together to create a compact structure while maintaining security through individual attachment points in each section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device incorporates flexible material that allows the structure to transition between expanded and compacted states. This dynamic flexibility enables the device to provide rigid security when needed while collapsing to a compact form for easy transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If flexible material is used for the tool holder, then ease of transport is improved, but security for securing tools deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transportVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible material is strategically positioned only in the sections between tool-holding areas. The tool-holding sections themselves maintain rigid structural properties to securely hold tools, while the flexible interconnecting sections enable compact folding for transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device combines flexible material with rigid structural elements in a composite construction. This allows the device to exhibit both flexibility for folding and rigidity for securing tools, resolving the contradiction between ease of transport and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of sockets are stored simultaneously, then versatility is improved, but the device becomes too bulky to transport conveniently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidtransportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device allows sections to be nested or folded together in a compact configuration. Multiple tool-holding sections can accommodate numerous sockets while folding into a compact package that is easy to transport, maintaining high storage capacity without increasing transport volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9597789B2Flexible tool holder

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 YOOSEFI CHRISTOPHER

AI summary

A flexible tool holder is provided. The tool holder is formed of a length of flexible material configured into discrete sections along which are positioned pockets and straps for securing tools associated with a specific tool, such as a socket wrench, including, for example, socket wrench handles, interchangeable sockets, socket adapters, etc. The flexible material and the discrete sections are configured such that the tool holder may be expanded and compacted by folding the flexible material in predetermined configurations.