Modular Magnetic Tool Holders for Custom Drawer Organization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tools storage solutions lack practical and inexpensive options for custom organization, leading to clutter and difficulty in finding specific tools within tool boxes or drawers.

Innovation Solution

An interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing device featuring a custom tool accessory with a body, tongues, tongue receiving grooves, and a magnet for magnetic connection, allowing for modular arrangement and easy tool identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If tools are stored in tool boxes or containers, then tools can be stored together, but it becomes difficult to find the proper tool due to clutter and disorganization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool storage capacityVSAvoidtool accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool storage system is divided into multiple individual slots within each holder, with each slot designed to accommodate a specific tool type. This segmentation allows tools to be separated into distinct compartments rather than stored together in a single container, enabling easy visual identification and access to specific tools without moving other tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each tool holder is designed with specific local characteristics including tongue and groove mechanisms for connection, magnet placement for securing tools, and slot configurations tailored to specific tool types. These localized features enable each holder to serve its specific organizational function while maintaining ease of access to individual tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If custom tool organization is provided, then tool accessibility is improved, but the device becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidorganizing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holders are designed as universal components that can store multiple different tool types through standardized slot configurations. The interchangeable holder design allows a single holder type to serve multiple organizational functions by adjusting which tools are placed in which slots, reducing the need for multiple specialized storage devices and simplifying the overall system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue and groove mechanism enables holders to nest or connect together in sequences, allowing multiple holders to be linked in a compact arrangement. This nesting capability provides extensive organizational capacity while maintaining a space-efficient structure that does not require complex individual holder designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If magnetic connection is used to attach holders to metal surfaces, then holders can be easily installed and repositioned, but the magnetic force may not be sufficient for heavy tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder installationVSAvoidmagnetic holding force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic connection system is segmented into multiple small magnets distributed across the holder base rather than relying on a single large magnet. This segmentation allows the magnetic force to be distributed across multiple contact points, providing sufficient cumulative holding force for heavy tools while maintaining the ease of installation and repositioning characteristics of magnetic attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides a customizable and organized tool storage system that is inexpensive and easy to use, enhancing accessibility and reducing clutter in tool storage spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet disposed on a bottom surface of the body to magnetically connect the custom tool accessory to a metal surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4076860B1Interchangeable and interconnectable tool organzing device
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 HURLEY JONATHAN
  • EP4076860B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4076860B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4076860B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A custom tool accessory to hold a tool, the custom tool accessory including a body, at least one tongue disposed at a first side of the body, at least one tongue receiving groove disposed at a second side of the body opposite from the first side of the body, and a tool holding portion disposed on the body to hold the tool. At least one magnet is attached to the underside of a metallic base plate that is in turn secured to the underside of the body. A retainer surrounds the at least one magnet and also underlies the area of the bottom of the base plate that is not covered by the at least one magnet.