Modular Interlocking Containers for Tool Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for transporting multiple powered hand-tools to a worksite often require individual containers, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, as they need to be either carried separately or assembled into a container-assembly only to be disassembled for access, lacking a solution for simultaneous conveyance and easy access to tools during use.
Innovation Solution
Modular containers with complementary shaped surface features that interlock to form assemblies, allowing for secure stacking, transportation, and easy access to tools without disassembly, featuring interlocking mechanisms such as keyhole slots, posts, and snap-locks, along with power management systems for multiple tools to be powered by a single cord.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple powered hand-tools are disposed in separate individual containers, then each tool can be securely conveyed, but the containers are cumbersome and require separate transport or assembly into a container-assembly that must be disassembled for access
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into multiple individual container modules, each capable of independently securing a powered hand-tool. These modular containers can be used separately or combined, providing flexibility in transport and access configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual containers are designed to nest within one another or interlock to form a container-assembly during transport. The containers feature complementary surface features that allow them to stack and lock together securely, then easily separate when access is needed at the worksite.
2Productivity
If containers are arranged into a container-assembly for transport, then multiple tools can be conveyed together efficiently, but the container-assembly must be disassembled to gain access to tools at the worksite
Solution Approach 1:
The containers are pre-configured with complementary surface features (protrusions and recesses) that enable quick assembly and disassembly. The interlocking mechanism is designed beforehand to allow rapid connection during transport setup and rapid separation when access is required, minimizing time loss.
3Reliability
If conventional individual containers are used, then each container can be securely closed, but they lack interlocking capability for stable assembly during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The containers feature asymmetric complementary surface features - protrusions on one container match recesses on another. This asymmetric design ensures proper orientation and stable interlocking when containers are assembled together, while maintaining secure closure of each individual container.
Data Source
AI summary
A container, e.g., a carry-case, includes: a body having an internal cavity for storing contents, the body including at least one access side of the body having at least one opening sufficient in size to accommodate movement of the contents through the opening(s); and at least one lid configured to releasably close the at least one opening, respectively. The body further includes: first and second stacking sides in which are formed complimentarily-shaped surface feature(s) and surface feature(s), respectively, configured to be releasably engageable with the corresponding surface feature(s) formed in second and first stacking sides, respectively, of other instances of the container. And each access side and corresponding lid are configured to permit access through the corresponding opening while one or more of the first and second stacking sides are disposed in states of releasable engagement, respectively.