Rotating Magnetic Socket Organizer for Fast Tool Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage and organization systems for ratcheting socket wrenches are often large, unwieldy, and difficult to use, with prior art devices requiring a magnetized surface for affixation and limiting versatility in accommodating different tool sizes and types, and lacking efficient access to stored tools.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a rotating central hub featuring adjustable compartments with magnetic surfaces for secure tool storage, allowing easy access and display of tools of varying sizes, and enabling temporary or semi-permanent attachment to surfaces, along with a handle for transport and indicia for labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art devices use a fixed compartment configuration, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different tool sizes and types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable and reconfigurable compartments within the rotating hub, allowing users to dynamically change compartment sizes and configurations to accommodate different tool sizes and types. This dynamic reconfiguration capability directly resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability without requiring multiple dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating hub is divided into multiple adjustable compartments that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows each compartment to be optimized for specific tool types while maintaining the overall versatility of the organizer, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Force
If prior art devices require a magnetized surface for affixation, then magnetic holding strength is improved, but portability and placement flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an integrated base with magnetic affixation capability, allowing the entire rotating hub assembly to be magnetically mounted to metal surfaces. This multi-functional base serves both as a stable mounting platform and maintains portability, resolving the contradiction between magnetic holding strength and placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic affixation function is merged into the base structure of the rotating hub, combining the mounting function with the portable design. This integration allows the device to be easily attached to and detached from surfaces, maintaining both strong magnetic holding and operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If prior art devices use a non-rotating design, then structural simplicity is maintained, but access efficiency and display capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotating hub that can be easily turned to bring different compartments to the front for access. This dynamic rotation capability significantly improves access efficiency and display capability while maintaining simple mechanical operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating hub employs a circular/spheroidal geometry that allows smooth rotation and easy maneuverability. This curved design enables efficient access to all compartments while maintaining structural simplicity, as the circular form naturally facilitates rotational motion without complex mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If prior art devices use fixed-size compartments, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but versatility in holding different tool elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The compartments are designed to be adjustable in size and configuration, allowing users to adapt them to hold different tool elements. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility while using standard manufacturing tolerances, as the adjustability mechanism compensates for variations in compartment dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment parameters (size, shape, position) are made changeable through adjustable dividers or reconfigurable structures. This ability to change parameters provides versatility in holding different tool elements without requiring high manufacturing precision for each specific compartment size.
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 apparatus provides efficient storage, organization, and display of tools, enabling easy access and versatility in accommodating different tool sizes and types, while being portable and not requiring a dedicated magnetized surface, thus enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic material is used on interior surfaces of the compartments. The magnetic material is strong enough to hold the tool elements and tools in place easily
Implementation Method 2
The central hub also comprises a magnetic material to hold tools onto a surface thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A socket organizer includes a planar member having a plurality of recessions to receive various sized tool elements, such as sockets. A portion of the planar member is magnetized to enable the device the ability to securely, but removably, retain each socket when placed into an individual recession. The planar member is rotatingly secured to a support stand. A mechanical connection between the planar member and support stand is provided with a series of detents to enable a user to rotate the planar member to a desired position for access to a particular socket held within the device.