Hood-Mounted Tool Tray with Magnetic Retention and Integrated Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive technicians face challenges in keeping tools and parts organized and within reach while working under the hood or bonnet of a vehicle, leading to lost time, frustration, and increased labor costs due to misplaced tools and parts, as well as inefficient lighting setups.
Innovation Solution
A tool tray designed to securely mount under a hood or bonnet with an expandable mounting bar, featuring a box or tray for holding tools and parts, magnetic strips for retention, and integrated lighting with adjustable gooseneck lights, providing a convenient and organized workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools and parts are placed on surfaces in the engine bay, then they are within reach of the technician, but they are likely to be dropped or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tool tray is divided into multiple compartments and sections that can be independently configured to hold different tools and parts. This segmentation allows tools to be organized in specific locations within the tray, making them easily accessible while preventing them from falling into the engine bay.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool tray acts as an intermediary device between the technician and the engine bay. It provides a secure platform that holds tools and parts close to the work area without allowing them to directly contact the engine bay surfaces, thus preventing drops and losses.
2Illumination intensity
If a traditional 110-volt trouble light with long cord is used, then the work area is illuminated, but the cord becomes tangled or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is extracted from the traditional 110-volt trouble light and integrated directly into the tool tray. This eliminates the need for long cords and external power sources, providing illumination without the complexity of cord management while keeping the light source close to the work area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices (toolbox, magnetic bowls, trouble light) are used, then tools and parts can be held and work area illuminated, but the setup is disorganized and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices into a single integrated tool tray system. The tray incorporates tool storage compartments, magnetic retention surfaces for fasteners, and integrated lighting, all in one unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate devices the technician must manage while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool tray is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides tool storage, part retention, and work area illumination. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate tools, streamlining the technician's workflow.
4Reliability
If tools and parts are kept in a nearby toolbox, then they are available for use, but they are not in immediate proximity to the work area
Solution Approach 1:
The tool tray transitions the storage location from a distant ground-based toolbox to a suspended position directly over the engine bay. This spatial repositioning in a different dimension (from ground level to overhead position) brings tools into immediate proximity of the work area, reducing access time while maintaining availability.
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 tool tray keeps tools and parts organized, reduces the risk of loss, enhances lighting efficiency, and minimizes labor costs by providing a dedicated and illuminated workspace, improving the efficiency and safety of automotive repairs.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more magnetic strips are configured to retainably receive fasteners and small parts
Data Source
AI summary
A tool tray securely and removably positioned on the hood of a vehicle with an expandable mounting bar and hooks is disclosed. The tool tray could assist the technician by bringing and holding tools and lights to the workplace area. The tool tray comprises a box for holding tools and parts when the technician is servicing engine parts. The box is provided with ridges, pockets, and recesses, which are molded into the bottom portion. The box further comprises multiple slots, configured to receive customizable partition panels. One or more magnetic strips are securely positioned at the front portion and within the interior surface of the box, configured to retainably hold the ferrous objects such as the tools and fasteners. The tool tray further comprises light fixtures, gooseneck lights, and a power source, positioned at the bottom portion of the tool tray, configured to provide light or illuminate the work area.