Saw Frame Tool Tray Hanger for Stable On-Tool Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool trays are not designed to mount to saw frames, making them inconvenient and prone to being knocked over, and they cannot securely hold all necessary tools for power saw operations.

Innovation Solution

The development of trays with a trough, back member, and hanger that can be configured to mount to a saw frame, featuring a hanger that secures to the frame's rail and includes self-clinching fasteners for stability, along with slots and sleeves to organize and support various tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional trays are used, then tools can be held, but the trays are not securely mounted to the saw frame and are prone to being knocked over

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidconvenience of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is divided into multiple attachment points (first and second attachment points) that can independently engage with corresponding features on the saw frame. This segmentation allows the tray to be securely mounted while maintaining ease of installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger is pre-configured with attachment points and engagement features that align with the saw frame structure before mounting. This preliminary configuration ensures secure mounting without requiring complex adjustment during installation, improving both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If a tool belt is used to carry tools, then tools are accessible, but it cannot hold all tools and is uncomfortable or tiring to wear

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

Solution Approach 1:

The tray system transitions tools from being carried on the user's body (tool belt) to being mounted on the saw frame (spatial relocation). This dimensional change allows unlimited tool capacity without compromising user comfort, as the saw frame bears the weight rather than the user.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing trays are used, then tools can be stored, but they lack features to securely organize additional tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool organization capabilityVSAvoidtray structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tray incorporates multiple dividers that segment the tray interior into separate compartments. This segmentation allows different tools to be organized in designated areas, improving adaptability for various tool types while maintaining a relatively simple overall tray structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tray is designed with universal features including multiple dividers, a hanger with adjustable attachment points, and engagement features that work with various saw frame configurations. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12403583B2Tool trays for mounting to saw frames
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 HARTMAN MICAH
  • US12403583B2 patent drawing
  • US12403583B2 patent drawing
  • US12403583B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Trays for mounting to saw frames and supporting tools. The trays include a trough, a back member, and a hanger. The trough includes a floor and extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end opposite the first end. The back member extends transversely from the floor and defines a back side of the trough. The hanger projects from the back member away from the trough. The hanger is complementarily configured with a frame for a saw with the hanger configured to secure to a rail of the frame. In some examples, the tray includes a sleeve. In some examples, the tray includes a self-clinching fastener.