Locking Tool Containers With Resilient Latches for Easy Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool cases lack lockable and separable containers that can be carried independently, limiting their functionality and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a base unit and separable containers, each equipped with a handle and latch mechanism, allowing for secure storage and easy transport of the containers separately from the base unit, using resilient latch members to lock and unlock the containers within the base unit's receiving regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If containers are made separable with individual handles for independent transport, then versatility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional latch mechanisms and structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The tool case is divided into a base unit and multiple separable containers. Each container can be independently removed from the base unit through latch mechanisms, allowing users to transport only the containers needed for specific tasks. This segmentation enables versatile configurations while maintaining organizational structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanisms enable dynamic reconfiguration of the system. Containers can be quickly attached to or removed from the base unit, allowing the storage system to adapt between different operational modes: fully assembled for organized storage, or separated for convenient transport of individual containers.
2Reliability
If latch mechanisms are added to secure containers within the base unit, then reliability of container retention is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened due to additional components and latching steps
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanisms are designed to automatically engage when containers are placed in the base unit. The latches self-latch without requiring manual intervention, providing reliable container retention while minimizing user effort and maintaining simple operation.
3Ease of operation
If containers are designed with individual handles for separate transport, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
Each container is equipped with its own handle, enabling independent carrying. Users can selectively transport one or more containers based on their needs, greatly enhancing ease of operation for different work scenarios.
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
Enables secure storage and easy transport of tools and accessories by allowing containers to be locked within the base unit and easily removed when needed, enhancing the usability and organization of the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
each base unit latch comprising a resilient latch member connected to the base unit, the resilient latch member being biased into a lock position wherein it engages the lock engagement portion of the associated one of the containers
Data Source
AI summary
A container system includes a plurality of containers, a plurality of container receiving regions, a plurality of base unit latches, and a base unit. Each base unit latch is arranged to latch an associated one of the containers at least partially within an associated one of the container receiving regions. The containers may be transported separately from the base unit, and may be used to store tools and other accessories. In one embodiment of the container system, each base unit latch comprises a resilient latch member connected to the base unit. The resilient latch member is biased into a lock position to engage a lock engagement portion on an associated one of the containers. The resilient latch member may be movable against the bias to a release position wherein the associated container is able to be removed from the associated container receiving region.