Offset Key Storage Case with Sloping Retention Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage cases for offset socket keys with varying sizes are either bulky or fail to securely retain smaller keys, leading to a risk of detachment and loss during storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A support system with a retention unit offset from the main plane, featuring a curved connection portion and C-shaped snap-fit notches, allowing keys to be retained in angularly deviating planes, and a hinged case design with separate shells for large and small keys, enabling compact storage and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keys are arranged in a flat state in parallel planes, then access to keys is convenient, but the case becomes relatively bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a flat two-dimensional arrangement of keys to a three-dimensional configuration where keys are positioned at different vertical levels and angular orientations. The retention unit slopes relative to the case body, allowing keys to be retained in planes that deviate angularly from the case's general plane, effectively utilizing the third dimension to reduce case volume while maintaining accessibility.
2Device complexity
If smaller keys are retained using conventional constriction fasteners, then the structure is simple, but the keys may become detached and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different retention mechanisms to different size categories of keys within the same case. The retention unit features a series of notches specifically designed for smaller keys, while larger keys can be retained by the general case structure. This localized differentiation ensures that smaller keys, which are more prone to detachment, receive enhanced retention without unnecessarily complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention unit is nested within the case body, with the sloping retention unit containing multiple notches that receive the arms of smaller keys. This nested configuration allows the retention mechanism to be integrated into the existing case structure, providing enhanced security for smaller keys without adding significant external complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece rigid shell is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different key sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the case into functionally distinct portions: a main case body and a separately configured retention unit with sloping geometry. The retention unit is provided with a series of notches of varying dimensions that can accommodate different key sizes. This segmentation allows the single-piece rigid shell to maintain manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability through the differentiated structural zones within the unified component.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The support (1) for offset socket keys (2), each key comprising a first arm (2A) and a second arm (2B) which extend in a plane Q, comprises a body (4) which is provided with a series of openings (18) which extend in a plane P and a retention unit (6) for retaining the series of keys relative to the body (4), the keys being offset vertically relative to each other. The retention unit is laterally offset relative to the plane P and is arranged sloping relative to the body in order to retain the vertically offset keys in the storage and transport position, in parallel planes Q which deviate angularly from the plane P.