Side-Mount Tool Storage Adapters Without Wider Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage units in modular systems lack efficient and versatile mechanisms for externally supporting and detachably coupling tools and tool accessories to utility modules without widening the modules, limiting their accessibility and repositioning during transport.
Innovation Solution
The development of adapters and side mount structures that can be coupled to the exterior of utility modules, featuring engagement ends and clamping ends to secure to corner posts, allowing for the attachment of storage devices like hooks and clip rails, and side mount structures with projections for convenient placement of tools and accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adapters and side mount structures are coupled to the exterior of utility modules, then tools and tool accessories can be externally supported and detachably coupled, but the utility modules are widened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system nests within the corner posts of the utility module. The adapter includes a front piece with a body and one or more recessed sections positioned along the body, allowing the adapter to fit into the existing corner post structure without adding external width to the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter utilizes the longitudinal dimension along the corner post rather than extending outward in the lateral dimension. The front piece includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis of the adapter, with engagement features that couple to the corner post in the longitudinal direction, avoiding width increase.
2Ease of operation
If storage devices are attached to the exterior of utility modules, then tools are readily accessible in working environment, but storage devices cannot be easily repositioned during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system provides dynamic attachment and detachment capability. The adapter includes a clamping end with a clamp that can be opened and closed to attach or detach storage devices from the corner posts, allowing easy repositioning during transport while maintaining accessibility during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into separate functional components: a front piece with engagement sections for the corner post, and a clamp for the storage device. This segmentation allows independent adjustment and repositioning of storage devices along different corner posts.
3Quantity of substance
If adapters include recessed sections for coupling storage devices, then storage capacity is increased, but adapter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter's front piece includes one or more recessed sections that can accommodate different types of storage devices (hooks, clip rails, etc.). These recessed sections serve multiple coupling functions using the same basic adapter structure, increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enables tools and tool accessories to be readily available in a working environment while being storable for transport, without widening the utility modules, and allows for easy repositioning of storage devices within the modular system.
Implementation Method 1
The rear clamp rotatably couples to the front piece
Data Source
AI summary
One or more adapters for a modular system are provided. The adapters are configured to couple externally to utility modules in a system, such as modular tool storage units to provide access to tool storage devices, tool, and/or tool accessories. One or more support rails for a modular system are provided. The support rails are configured to couple externally to utility modules in a system, thereby providing access to tools, tool accessories, and/or storage devices.