Interlocking Tool Inserts for Dense Tool Holder Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool and tool holder storage systems lack efficient storage properties, particularly in terms of packing density and cost-effectiveness, as they often require external fastening measures and do not optimize the use of available storage space.
Innovation Solution
A tool insert and tool holder insert system featuring a base body with a depression for accommodating tools or tool holders, complementarily designed side walls for interlocking, and contact elements that provide secure holding without external fastening, allowing for high packing density and flexible arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional storage systems are used, then tools can be stored, but packing density is low and storage space is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple modular tool inserts, each with its own base body and holder region. These segments can be independently configured and combined to optimize storage density for different tool sizes and quantities, allowing flexible adaptation to various storage requirements while maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Tool holders are nested within the holder regions of the tool inserts, with contact elements integrated into the holder region to provide securing functions. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate external fastening systems, thereby increasing packing density and reducing the overall storage area required.
2Reliability
If external fastening measures are used, then tools can be securely held, but device complexity increases and storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from external fastening measures and integrated directly into the tool insert structure through contact elements that are part of the holder region. This integration simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate fastening components while maintaining secure tool holding through the inherent design of the contact elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact elements are designed to automatically secure tools within the holder region through their geometric configuration and material properties, without requiring external fastening measures. The tool insert structure itself provides the securing mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and reducing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If tools are arranged in a linear fashion, then storage is simple, but available storage surface is not used effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The tool inserts are arranged in a grid-like pattern rather than a simple linear arrangement, utilizing both horizontal dimensions of the storage surface. Multiple holder regions are positioned to maximize the use of available space, allowing tools to be stored in a two-dimensional array that significantly increases storage capacity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular replication.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is based on a tool insert and/or tool holder insert, in particular a tool storage insert and/or tool holder storage insert, with at least one base body (10a-b), having at least one receiving area (14a-b) for at least partial reception of at least one tool and/or at least one tool holder (16a-b), in particular at least partially formed as a recess (12a-b) in the base body (10a-b), and with at least one contact element (18a-b, 20a-b, 22a-b) arranged at least partially within the receiving area (14a-b), in particular projecting into the receiving area (14a-b), for forming a contacting holder of the tool and/or the tool holder (16a-b).It is proposed that the tool insert and/or tool holder insert has complementary side walls (26a-b, 28a-b) on at least two opposite outer sides of the base body (10a-b), in particular parallel to a receiving direction (24a-b) of the receiving area (14a-b), which are designed to engage at least partially with side walls of further tool inserts and/or tool holder inserts.