Modular Tool Storage Base With Slide-Lock Container Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage devices lack versatility and ease of use in transporting and organizing tools, with soft-sided and rigid storage devices often requiring complex or cumbersome connections and limited flexibility in configuration.
Innovation Solution
A system of storage devices featuring removably coupled soft-sided and rigid components with integrated latch assemblies and projection/recess systems, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and a base with interchangeable tool storage containers and carts, enabling flexible and efficient tool transport and organization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tool storage devices use rigid structures with fixed connections, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into separate modular components including a base, removable tool storage containers, and interchangeable cart configurations. Each component can be independently attached or detached through simple projection-recess mechanisms, allowing users to easily reconfigure the storage system without complex tools or procedures while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device transitions from a static fixed-connection design to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The base can be paired with different tool storage containers and cart configurations, and the tool storage containers can be easily swapped between the base and cart, enabling the structure to adapt to different operational needs while maintaining stability during use.
2Reliability
If tool storage devices use complex connection mechanisms, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism merges the attachment and detachment functions into a single intuitive action. Projections on one component fit into recesses on another, and sliding the components together simultaneously achieves alignment and secures the connection, eliminating the need for separate fastening steps while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection-recess connection system is self-aligning and self-securing. When the user brings the components together, the projections automatically engage with the recesses, and the sliding motion simultaneously completes the alignment and establishes the secure connection without requiring additional tools or complex procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If tool storage devices are designed as single-configuration units, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of tool storage containers and cart configurations through standardized projection-recess connections. This allows a single base unit to serve multiple functions and configurations, increasing versatility without requiring complex manufacturing processes for each variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into interchangeable components - a base, multiple tool storage container options, and cart configurations. Each component is manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled in different configurations as needed, allowing manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability through user reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool storage device system includes a base and a tool storage container removably coupled to the base. The tool storage container slides in a first direction relative to the base to attach the tool storage container to the base, and the tool storage container slides in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the base to remove the tool storage container from the base.