Hinged Tool Case Panels for Simultaneous Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool cases with compartmentalized storage require users to open and access multiple panels sequentially to retrieve tools, limiting simultaneous access to a large number of tools and increasing the time needed to gather all required tools for a task.
Innovation Solution
A case design featuring a pair of hinged storage panels that can be moved between a stowed and expanded position, allowing access to both panels when open, with frequently used tools on the first panel and additional tools on the second panel, enabling all necessary tools to be within easy reach without flipping between panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple internal panels are provided for tool storage, then tool organization and storage capacity are improved, but access time increases because users must sequentially open and access multiple panels
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are designed to be movable between a stowed position (flush with the case interior) and an expanded position (pivoted outward to present storage surfaces). This dynamic configuration allows the panels to transition from a space-saving stored state to an accessible expanded state, resolving the contradiction by enabling both comprehensive storage and simultaneous access to all tool surfaces when expanded.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels utilize the third dimension by pivoting outward from the case interior, transforming from a two-dimensional flat storage surface to a three-dimensional expanded configuration. This dimensional transition allows tools to be presented on both the front and back surfaces of each panel simultaneously, increasing accessible storage capacity without requiring additional sequential panel openings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools are distributed across multiple panels, then storage organization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because users must flip between panels to access different tools
Solution Approach 1:
The movable panel design allows users to expand all panels simultaneously to access tools on any surface without sequential operations. The dynamic transition from stowed to expanded position eliminates the need to flip between panels, as all tool surfaces become accessible at once when the case is opened and panels are expanded.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are pre-configured with tools organized on both their front and back surfaces before use. When the case is opened, users can immediately access any tool on any panel surface without additional manipulation, as the preliminary organization on dual surfaces anticipates the need for simultaneous access to diverse tools.
3Device complexity
If panels are fixed in a closed position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but storage space accessibility is limited when the case is open
Solution Approach 1:
The panels incorporate a simple hinge mechanism that enables movement between stowed and expanded positions. This minimal mechanical addition provides the functionality of variable accessibility without significantly increasing structural complexity, allowing the storage area to expand from a limited fixed position to a comprehensive expanded position.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal storage system is segmented into multiple independent panels that can move relative to the case body. This segmentation allows each panel to be independently positioned, enabling the storage surfaces to be presented in an expanded configuration for maximum accessibility while maintaining the overall simplicity of the case structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The invention provides a case (10) for organising and transporting a plurality of tools, the case comprising a body formed of a base (30) and a lid (20) pivotally connected to the base (30), the case (10) having a storage space substantially defined by the base (30) and lid (20). The case (10) also comprises a pair of panels located in the storage space when the lid (20) is in a closed position, wherein the pair of panels comprises a first panel (50) and a second panel (60), the first panel (50) and second panel (60) being pivotally connected to each other at a common hinged edge (61), the pair of panels being movable between a stowed position in relation to the body, and an expanded position in relation to the body, such that in the expanded position at least one surface of the first panel (50) and at least one surface of the second panel (60) are accessible. The first panel (50) further comprises at least one unfixed edge (51) and the second panel (60) further comprises at least one fixed edge (62) which is pivotally connected to the body of the case (10), wherein in the stowed position, the unfixed edge (51) of the first panel (50) is substantially proximate to the fixed edge (62) of the second panel (60), and in the expanded position, the unfixed edge (51) of the first panel (50) is substantially distant from the fixed edge (62) of the second panel (60).