Socket Rail Tray Segmentation for Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket rails can be cumbersome to handle and store, especially when fully populated with sockets, making it difficult to easily access and transport individual rails and subsets of sockets.

Innovation Solution

A socket rail and tray system with shoulder guides, a swedged head member, and a lock mechanism that allows for a 'push-click-slide' operation to engage and disengage the rail, providing audible feedback and easy removal of the rail from the tray.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a socket rail is fully populated with sockets, then the storage capacity is maximized, but the rail becomes unwieldy and difficult to handle and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidease of handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the complete socket storage system into separable segments: a tray that can hold multiple rails, and individual rails that can be removed from the tray. This allows users to transport the entire collection or individual subsets as needed, resolving the contradiction between maximizing storage capacity and maintaining ease of handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If a socket rail is fully populated with sockets, then the storage capacity is maximized, but it becomes difficult to access and transport individual rails and subsets of sockets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidflexibility of access

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The design enables segmentation of the socket storage system into removable rails within a tray, allowing flexible access to individual rails or subsets of sockets while maintaining overall storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic one where rails can be easily inserted into and removed from the tray, providing adaptability for different access and transport needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a lock mechanism is added to secure the rail to the tray, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the rail is inserted into the tray, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The system self-secures through the insertion action itself, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with simpler engagement features such as friction fits, snap-fit mechanisms, or basic lugs that engage with corresponding features on the tray, achieving reliable connection with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9364949B2Socket rail and tray

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 ERNST GREGORY R

AI summary

A socket rail tray receives socket rails therein in releasable locking engagement. A slide-click-lock function is provided to lock the rail to the tray, and depressing a release button allows the rail to be removed from the tray. Both ends of the rail as well as a central portion thereof are secured by the tray.