Sliding Organizer Tray for Toolbox Lid Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional toolboxes with organizer trays obstruct access to the interior space when the lid is opened, as the trays do not retract, making it difficult to access and transport tools efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A toolbox design featuring a selectively removable and slidable organizer tray with sled feet and engagement protrusions, allowing the tray to be stored within the container, pivot around a central axis, and retract when the lid is open, preventing obstruction and ensuring secure storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional organizer tray is installed in the toolbox, then tool organization is improved, but access to the interior space is obstructed when the lid is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The organizer tray is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide forward when the lid is opened and retract when the lid is closed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the tray's position based on operational needs: providing access when the lid is open and maintaining organization when the lid is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The organizer tray is designed to nest within the toolbox interior space when not in use. The tray can be completely removed from the toolbox or slid into a retracted position, allowing full access to the interior space while maintaining its organizational function when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the organizer tray is made removable and slidable, then access to the interior space is improved, but the tray may become unstable or cause the toolbox to tip
Solution Approach 1:
The sled feet are designed to dynamically engage with the cut-out portions only when the tray is in its retracted or neutral position. When the lid is opened and the tray slides forward, the sled feet disengage from the cut-outs, allowing movement while maintaining stability through controlled engagement rather than permanent fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled feet and cut-out portions are asymmetrically positioned and shaped to provide stable engagement in the retracted position while allowing controlled movement when force is applied. The asymmetric design ensures that the tray naturally settles into a stable position when not in use but can be easily moved when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the organizer tray is designed to completely retract, then access to the interior space is maximized, but the tray may become lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusions and receiving portions create a self-aligning, self-retaining system. When the tray is inserted into the toolbox, the protrusions automatically engage with the receiving portions, ensuring the tray is properly positioned and retained without requiring external fastening mechanisms or user intervention to prevent loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed to nest within the toolbox with specific engagement points that ensure proper positioning. The engagement protrusions and receiving portions create a nested configuration where the tray is securely held within the toolbox structure, preventing loss while allowing complete retraction when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a toolbox or container having a selectively removable organizer tray that is pivotally attached to the lid of the toolbox. As a user opens the lid of the toolbox, the organizer tray retracts into the lid reducing the organizer tray's obscuring of the interior space of the toolbox.