Multi-Purpose Tool System With Integrated Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current plastic fastener removal tools are often sold as single tools or multiple sets, which can be misplaced or lost, and their various shapes and sizes make them cumbersome to transport, with existing tool sets requiring large, bulky cases for organization.

Innovation Solution

A multi-purpose tool system that includes a set of tools configured to couple together to form a single, compact, handheld housing, allowing each tool to be used individually and easily transported, with features like snap connections and internal retaining chambers for organization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but portability and organization deteriorate due to cumbersome transport and risk of misplacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate tools (prying tool, claw tool, pick tool, magnifying tool) into a single integrated handheld housing that functions as both a tool system and a portable case. The tools are retained within the housing and can be accessed individually while maintaining the compact form factor of a single unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it acts as a container for organizing tools, a protective case for the tools, and a handheld grip for operating the tools. The tool system provides universal functionality for fastener removal, prying, picking, and magnification tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tools are kept separate for individual use, then operational flexibility is improved, but organization and loss prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidloss prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tools are nested within the housing structure, with each tool having a designated retention space. The housing contains the tools in an organized manner, allowing them to be stored compactly while remaining accessible for individual use when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a specialized case is used to organize tools, then organization is improved, but portability deteriorates due to large and bulky case size

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveorganizationVSAvoidcase size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the case function with the tool housing itself. The housing that contains and protects the tools during transport is the same structure that provides the grip and operational interface when tools are in use, eliminating the need for a separate oversized case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11376724B2Multi-purpose tool system

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A multi-purpose tool system (100) includes a first tool (104) that is configured to perform a first function, a second tool (106) that is configured to perform a second function, a third tool (140) that is configured to perform a third function, and a fourth tool (142) that is configured to perform a fourth function. The tools couple together to form a single, unitary handheld housing (102). Each of the tools is configured to separate from the housing for individual use.