Light Assembly with Stowable Mast for Modular Tool Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool storage systems lack a modular and efficient lighting solution that can be easily transported and converted between operating and storage configurations.

Innovation Solution

A light assembly comprising a base module with a housing and a mast assembly that can be adjusted between operating and storage configurations, featuring a telescoping or pivoting design to extend or retract the lighting element for use and storage, respectively, and integrate with modular storage systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the mast assembly is designed to extend outwardly for illumination, then the lighting functionality is improved, but the storage compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionalityVSAvoidstorage compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mast assembly is designed to be received within the recess of the cover when not in use, creating a nested configuration where the lighting element is stored inside the base module. This nesting approach allows the system to maintain a compact form factor for storage and transport while enabling full extension for illumination when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mast assembly is made adjustable between configurations, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration adjustabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mast assembly incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow it to transition between extended and retracted configurations. The dynamic design enables the mast to be positioned in multiple states - fully extended for maximum illumination, partially extended for intermediate heights, and fully retracted for compact storage - providing operational flexibility without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the mast assembly extends outwardly for use, then the operational effectiveness is improved, but the transport efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational effectivenessVSAvoidtransport efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into separable components - the mast assembly with lighting element that can be independently extended and retracted from the base module. This segmentation allows the lighting component to be fully deployed for operational effectiveness when needed, while being completely stowable within the base module for efficient transport and storage, with each segment optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4610563A1Light assemby for use with a storage system
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP4610563A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4610563A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4610563A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A light assembly includes a base module including a housing and a cover coupled to the housing, the cover including a recess, the housing defining a cavity enclosed by the cover; a mast assembly extending between a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the cover; and a lighting element coupled to the second end of the mast assembly. The mast assembly is adjustable between: an operating configuration, in which the mast assembly extends outwardly from the base module, and a storage configuration, in which the mast assembly is at least partially received within the recess of the cover.