Heated Tool Rack with Resistive Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal hand tools, commonly used in cold outdoor environments, become difficult to maneuver due to temperature-related discomfort and diminished dexterity when workers wear gloves, as existing solutions do not address the need for warming these tools.
Innovation Solution
A tool rack with a heating mechanism that uses a graduated resistive divider between two steel plates, powered by a USB connector, to regulate and maintain tool temperature, ensuring consistent warmth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal tools are used in cold outdoor environments, then the tools remain at ambient temperature, but the tools become cold to the touch causing discomfort and reduced dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The heating mechanism pre-heats the tools before use and maintains them at a comfortable temperature throughout the work period. The resistive heating elements are activated in advance to warm the metal tools, eliminating the cold-to-touch problem before the worker begins manipulating the tools.
Solution Approach 2:
A resistive heating mechanism serves as an intermediary between the power source and the metal tools. The heating elements transfer thermal energy to the tools through contact, acting as a mediator that converts electrical energy to thermal energy to warm the tools without requiring the worker to directly apply heat or modify the tools themselves.
2Temperature
If heating mechanism is added to tool rack, then tools can be maintained at desired temperature, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating mechanism is self-regulating through the use of a resistive divider that automatically controls the heating elements. The system uses the tools themselves as part of the circuit, where the tools' electrical resistance provides automatic feedback for temperature control, eliminating the need for external thermostats or complex control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls temperature by changing electrical parameters - specifically using a resistive divider to vary the electrical resistance and thereby control the power delivered to the heating elements. This electrical parameter control is simpler than mechanical or electronic temperature regulation systems.
3Ease of operation
If USB powered heating system is used, then portability and ease of power supply is improved, but power output may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a USB power source that provides partial heating power, but this is sufficient for the specific application of warming hand tools. The heating elements are designed to work efficiently with the limited USB power output, applying just enough heat to maintain comfortable tool temperatures without requiring excessive power that would necessitate a different power source.
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 solution effectively keeps tools warm, enhancing user comfort and dexterity by providing a controlled heating system specifically designed for wrenches and other hand tools, addressing the lack of available products that meet this need.
Implementation Method 1
a power source attached to a graduated resistive divider; The cooperating racks include a first receiving rack and a second receiving rack, wherein the resistive divider lies between the first steel plate on a first side and the second steel plate on a second side
Data Source
AI summary
Heating Mechanism For Tools is an ingenious and practical invention of a heated tool rack which includes: a first steel plate; a second steel plate, wherein each steel plate includes a cooperating receiving rack for wrenches; a power source attached to each plate; a first charge on the first plate; and a second charge on the second plate. The cooperating racks include a first receiving rack and a second receiving rack, wherein a lineal graduating resistive divider of a cleaving type and a planer type lies between the first steel plate on a first side and the second steel plate on a second side. A resistive heat therein is proportional to the graduation. A hole is provided in each plate for mounting purposes. The tool rack also includes a USB connector, where the USB connector supplies power for application of an electrical charge to each side of the resistive divider.