Magnetic Tool Holder With U-Shaped Arm For Tight Spaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool holders for handheld tools like paintbrushes are often cumbersome and lack a quick connect coupling system, making them difficult to use in tight spaces or when a single tool is needed.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight tool holder with a magnetic coupling system, featuring a body with a posterior and anterior arm, a u-shaped portion, and a magnet positioned on the anterior arm, allowing easy attachment to various supports and providing a secure hold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional tool holders (belts with pockets, clips, backpacks) are used, then tools can be carried and stored, but the device becomes cumbersome and unnecessary when using a single tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential function of tool holding from complex traditional holders. Instead of using entire belts or backpacks, it employs a single magnetic clip that can be independently attached to various surfaces, providing tool storage without the unnecessary complexity of traditional carriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic tool holder is designed to be universally applicable across multiple surfaces and scenarios. It can attach to metal surfaces, refrigerators, walls, or any magnetic-compatible surface, replacing the need for specialized holders for different locations and serving multiple storage functions with a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional tool holders are used, then tools can be stored, but they are difficult to attach to various supports and require complex attachment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment versatilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical attachment mechanisms (buckles, clips, fasteners) with a magnetic attachment system. The magnet provides secure holding force through magnetic attraction alone, eliminating the need for mechanical fastening components and simplifying both the attachment mechanism and the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If tools are kept in cluttered areas, then tools are easily accessible, but tools may be misplaced easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidtool placement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic holder creates a stable, fixed position for tools on vertical or inclined surfaces, eliminating the need for tools to be placed in cluttered horizontal areas. The magnetic force provides consistent holding strength regardless of orientation, ensuring tools remain securely in place and are easily visible and accessible without risk of misplacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Productivity

If work is performed in tight spaces or on ladders, then specific tasks can be completed, but space for tool storage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework capability in limited spacesVSAvoidavailable storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic tool holder utilizes vertical surfaces and three-dimensional space that would otherwise be unused. By attaching to the side of refrigerators, walls, or other vertical surfaces, it creates tool storage in the vertical dimension rather than consuming horizontal workspace, thereby maintaining productivity in tight spaces without sacrificing storage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 holder provides a convenient, secure, and easy-to-use solution for holding paintbrushes or tools, even in limited spaces, with the magnetic system ensuring a strong attachment to metal surfaces, such as paint cans or belts.

Implementation Method 1

The holder may include at least one magnet positioned on the anterior arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20230339258A1Magnetic paintbrush or tool holder
Publication Date: 2023.10.26 WAGGONER SAMUEL DAVID
  • US20230339258A1 patent drawing
  • US20230339258A1 patent drawing
  • US20230339258A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A tool holder includes a body having a posterior arm with a first longitudinal axis extending from a posterior arm proximal portion to a posterior arm distal end. The body includes an anterior arm having a second longitudinal axis extending from an anterior arm proximal portion to an anterior arm distal end. The anterior arm proximal portion includes an anterior arm offset portion having a third longitudinal axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis at or below a midpoint of the posterior arm. The body also includes a u-shaped portion joining the posterior arm distal end and the anterior arm distal end. At least one magnet is positioned on the anterior arm to connect to a paintbrush or other tool.