Hydraulic Tool Stand for Upright Seal-Protective Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic tools, such as hydraulic hammers, are prone to damage due to improper storage, which can lead to fluid leakage and catastrophic equipment failure, especially when stored horizontally, as seals dry out and fail, compromising tool and equipment integrity and performance.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic tool storage device comprising a base, vertical support, and top collar with a clamping assembly, designed to securely hold the tool in an upright position, featuring a rigid metal framework to prevent tipping and include inclinometers for safe tilt indication, allowing easy tool insertion and removal without lifting, and accommodating different tool sizes with adapter plates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hydraulic tools are stored horizontally, then storage space is utilized, but seals dry out and fail causing tool damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional horizontal storage approach by implementing vertical upright storage. The stand structure with base, vertical support, and top collar holds the hydraulic tool vertically, ensuring seals remain lubricated and preventing the drying-out failure mode that occurs with horizontal storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The stand design allows the hydraulic tool to be stored in a self-supporting upright position through the engagement structure and clamping assembly, eliminating the need for external support or special positioning fixtures that would be required for horizontal storage while maintaining seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If hydraulic tools are stored without proper support, then storage simplicity is maintained, but tools tip over causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage structure simplicityVSAvoidtool stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a flat horizontal surface for storage that requires additional anti-tip measures, the patent uses a vertical upright storage configuration with a stable base and engagement structure that naturally prevents tipping through gravitational stability and mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex active stabilization systems with a passive mechanical stabilization approach using a wide base, vertical support structure, and engagement features that mechanically constrain the tool in place, eliminating tipping risk without requiring active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic tools are stored in challenging environments, then operational flexibility is maintained, but environmental factors accelerate tool degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidtool durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The upright storage orientation reverses the vulnerable horizontal positioning that exposes seals to degradation, creating a storage posture that protects against environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, contamination, and drying effects even in challenging outdoor or industrial environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement structure and clamping assembly provide preemptive protection by securing the tool in a protected upright position before environmental damage can occur, preventing exposure to harmful environmental conditions during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12539596B2Hydraulic tool stand

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 SOUTHWORTH MILTON INC

AI summary

A hydraulic tool storage device positions a hydraulic tool in a manner that prevents damage to seals contained within the tool. The storage device can take the form of a tool stand that provides ready access to the hydraulic tool for mating with equipment that may utilize the tool and provides a stable platform for storage or transport of the hydraulic tool. As an example, such hydraulic tools can include hydraulic hammers.