Pivoting Tool Holder Fastening for One-Handed Suspension Bar Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool holders for suspension bars require significant force to mount and dismount, are not easily adaptable for heavy or large objects, and lack secure attachment mechanisms, especially when used in garage organization systems.

Innovation Solution

A tool holder with a fastening device featuring a first and second portion that engage with the suspension bar's web and flanges, where the first portion anchors the hook means and the second portion is pivotally connected, utilizing a joint oriented parallel to the flanges, along with a locking device for secure attachment and easy one-handed operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing fastening devices are used to attach tool holders to suspension bars, then the attachment can be achieved, but significant force is required to mount and dismount and the operation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mounting and dismountingVSAvoidforce required for mounting and dismounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device incorporates a pivotable second portion that can rotate between a first position for engagement with the suspension bar and a second position for disengagement. This dynamic mechanism allows the tool holder to be easily mounted and dismounted without requiring significant force, as the pivotal motion enables controlled engagement and release of the attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If existing fastening devices are used, then attachment is possible, but the attachment mechanism is not secure enough for heavy and large objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that engages with the suspension bar to provide secure attachment, and a second portion that is pivotally connected and can be positioned in different orientations. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally - the first portion ensures secure attachment for heavy objects while the second portion provides operational flexibility, thereby achieving reliable attachment without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a simple fastening mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the attachment is not safe and stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and stability of attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable second portion provides a dynamic attachment mechanism that enhances safety and stability. When mounted, the second portion can be positioned in a first orientation where it engages with the suspension bar structure, creating a stable and secure attachment. The pivotal connection allows controlled movement while maintaining firm engagement, ensuring the tool holder remains safely attached even when bearing heavy or large objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8960454B2Tool holder
Publication Date: 2015.02.24 ELFA INTERNATIONAL
  • US8960454B2 patent drawing
  • US8960454B2 patent drawing
  • US8960454B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A combination is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the combination includes a suspension bar, a tool holder adapted for attachment to the suspension bar, a hook device for suspending an object and a fastening device which enables the hook device to be releasably attached to the suspension bar. In at least one embodiment, the fastening device includes a first and a second portion for retaining engagement with the web of the suspension bar and its respective flanges. The first portion forms the upper portion of the fastening device, when mounted, to which portion the hook device is fixedly attached either directly or indirectly. The second portion of the fastening device is pivotally attached to the first portion by way of a joint, which, with the tool holder in its mounted state, is oriented parallel with and located between the flanges of the suspension bar.