Sliding Tool Rack Hangers With Standardized Metal-Plastic Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool racks require hangers of different lengths and materials to accommodate hand tools of varying sizes, leading to increased manufacturing costs and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A tool rack design featuring multiple hangers of the same size, with a metal hanging shaft and injection-molded hanging body, where the hanging shaft is securely connected to the hanging body using a connecting mount, allowing for adjustable positioning and sufficient strength to hold hand tools of different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hangers are made of different lengths to accommodate hand tools of different sizes, then the tool rack can hold various sized tools, but the manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized hanger structure where all hangers have the same size and shape, but can still accommodate different tool sizes through adjustable positioning on the rail. The connecting mount with inserting hole and engaging head creates a universal interface that works for all hangers regardless of tool size, eliminating the need for different hanger lengths while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hangers slidable on the rail, allowing them to be positioned at different locations along the rail. This dynamic positioning capability enables standardized hangers to adapt to different tool sizes and weights, resolving the contradiction between standardization and adaptability.
2Strength
If hangers are made of different lengths with increased diameter for sufficient strength, then the hangers can hold heavier tools, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal (for the hanging shaft providing strength) with injection-molded plastic (for the hanging body providing shape and sliding capability). This composite construction allows standardized hanger dimensions while achieving sufficient strength through the metal shaft, eliminating the need to increase hanger diameter and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hanger into two distinct parts: the metal hanging shaft (providing strength) and the injection-molded hanging body (providing structural form and sliding interface). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining standardized overall dimensions.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple hangers of the same size are used, then material costs are reduced, but the strength to hold different sized tools must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using composite materials where the metal hanging shaft provides the necessary strength to hold various sized tools, while the standardized injection-molded body provides the structural form. This allows all hangers to be the same size (reducing material usage) while maintaining sufficient strength through the metal component.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool rack has a slide rack and multiple hangers. The slide rack has a baseboard and an elongated rail protruding from the baseboard. The multiple hangers are slidably mounted on the rail of the slide rack, and each has a hanging body and a hanging shaft. The hanging body is made by injection molding and slidably connected to the rail of the slide rack and has a protruding side and a connecting mount. The connecting mount protrudes from the protruding side of the hanging body and has an inserting hole formed in the connecting mount. The hanging shaft is metal and has an inserting end and a bent end. The inserting end has an engaging head mounted in the inserting hole and surrounded by the connecting mount. The bent end is opposite to the inserting end and bent upward for hanging a hand tool.