Magnetic Storage Device with Interlocking Modular Tray
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic storage devices lack the ability to efficiently retain and display a variety of products with magnetic affinity, fail to serve as both a packaging and storage solution, and do not allow for easy interlocking of multiple units for organized storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic storage device comprising a base, tray, magnetic member, and removable cover that securely holds products with magnetic affinity, allowing for easy identification, orientation, and interlocking with other devices for organized storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic strips or discs are used to attach products to a magnetically attractive surface, then products can be held and displayed, but the device cannot serve as both packaging and storage simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the packaging function and storage function into a single integrated magnetic storage device. The housing structure serves as both the package container and the storage unit, eliminating the need for separate packaging and storage systems. The magnetic member is integrated within the housing to provide both packaging attachment and product retention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic storage device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as packaging for products with magnetic affinity, provides storage retention through the magnetic member, enables display through the transparent housing, and allows attachment to magnetically attractive surfaces. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the device versatile without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple magnetic storage devices are used for organized storage, then product retrieval is improved, but the devices cannot be easily interlocked for systematic organization
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic storage device is designed as a modular unit that can be independently used or combined with other identical units. The housing structure includes features that enable easy interlocking of multiple devices without requiring complex integration mechanisms. Each device remains a discrete, manageable unit while facilitating systematic organization when combined.
3Reliability
If a magnetic member is used to retain products, then products are securely held, but the magnetic member cannot be easily secured between base and tray during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a base portion and a tray portion that can be separately assembled. The magnetic member is positioned and secured between these two portions through a simplified assembly process, allowing the magnetic component to be integrated without requiring complex assembly mechanisms. The segmented housing design facilitates easy access and positioning of the magnetic member during manufacturing.
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 efficient retention and display of multiple products, serves as both packaging and storage, and facilitates easy retrieval by allowing devices to be interlocked for organized storage and use.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic member (62) positioned between the base (56) and the tray (40) such that the magnetic member (62) retains at least one article (12), each having a thickness and a magnetic affinity
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic storage device is disclosed which is capable of retaining a plurality of articles, each having a thickness and a magnetic affinity. The storage device includes a base having a cavity which houses a magnetic member and a tray which mates with the base to enclose the magnetic member. The tray has a plurality of cavities formed in an upper surface and each of the cavities is designed to retain one of the articles. Each of the cavities has an elongated, semi-circular configuration with opposite ends located adjacent to a pair of raised abutments. The pair of raised abutments extends to a height less than the thickness of each article. The storage device also includes a cover which can be secured to the tray to enclose the plurality of articles therein. A method of assembling the magnetic storage device is also disclosed.