Retractable Tool Holder for Secure Small-Part Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools and tool parts are prone to loss during use on construction sites, leading to time-consuming searches, disruptions, and safety risks, with existing securing mechanisms being complex, obstructive, or impractical for small tools and tool parts.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a container with a self-retracting mechanism and a flexible safety tendon, attached to a holder via a fastening means, ensures the container is securely attached to the user, preventing loss while allowing easy access and use of tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a self-retracting mechanism with multiple locking mechanisms is used to secure tools, then the security and reliability of tool attachment is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool attachment securityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential security function from complex multi-locking mechanisms, retaining only the necessary attachment and detachment capabilities. The holder provides secure attachment through a simplified mechanism that maintains reliability while reducing complexity, allowing tools to be securely held during work but easily released when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool belt holder is designed to automatically retain tools during movement and work without requiring active engagement mechanisms. The passive retention system uses the natural position and gravity of tools on the belt to maintain security, eliminating the need for complex active locking mechanisms while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If a tool bag with securing straps is used to carry multiple tools, then the quantity of tools that can be carried is improved, but the weight and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of toolsVSAvoidaccessibility of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of carrying all tools in a single heavy bag, the patent segments tools into individual slots on the tool belt holder. Each tool can be independently accessed and removed without handling other tools or the entire container, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining the ability to carry multiple tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from vertical stacking of tools in a bag to horizontal distribution across the tool belt. This dimensional change allows tools to be spread out and easily accessible from the front, eliminating the need to dig through a bag and improving accessibility while maintaining tool capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If tools are stored in pockets for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and safety deteriorate due to loss risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of toolsVSAvoidtool retention security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of pocket storage (easy access) with secure retention by integrating tools into a belt-mounted holder that is worn close to the body. Tools remain easily accessible like in pockets but are securely retained through the belt attachment mechanism, eliminating the loss risk associated with loose pocket storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a robust safety lanyard with multiple locking mechanisms is used to secure tools, then the reliability of tool attachment is improved, but the ease of operation and device complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool attachment securityVSAvoidtool detachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential security function from robust safety lanyards with multiple locks, retaining simple attachment and detachment capabilities. The holder provides secure tool retention during work but allows quick release when needed, maintaining reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation by removing unnecessary locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device minimizes the risk of losing tools and tool parts by ensuring they remain attached to the user, reducing the risk of injury and maintaining accessibility without obstructing use, through a simple and reliable securing mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

The self-retracting mechanism includes a spring-loaded return winch with which the safety lanyard can be wound up within the mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring-loaded mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4308346B1Device for storing tools and tool parts
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 WAGNER ULF-STEFAN
  • EP4308346B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4308346B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4308346B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for storing tool tips, small tools and/or tool parts (3), having a container (2) in which the tool tips, the small tools and/or the tool parts (3) are contained or able to be received; a fastening means (4) which is fastened to the container (2); a holder (5) to which a counterpart fastening means (6) is fastened such that the container (2) is fastened or able to be fastened releasably to the counterpart fastening means (6) of the holder (5) by way of the fastening means (4); a securing string (7), wherein a distal end (8) of the securing string (7) is fastened to the container (2), and an automatic retractor (9) for retracting the securing string (7), wherein a proximal end (11) of the securing string (7) is connected to the automatic retractor (9) such that the securing string (7) is able to be retracted at least partially or fully into the automatic retractor (9) and is able to be pulled out of the automatic retractor (9), and wherein the automatic retractor (9) is fastened to the holder (5). The invention also relates to a method for providing or storing away a tool tip that is stored or able to be stored in a container (2), a small tool that is stored or able to be stored in a container (2), or a tool part (3) that is stored or able to be stored in a container (2).