Adjustable tool holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pegboard hook systems are inefficient for securing and storing elongate tools, requiring significant user effort and often leading to tools falling or being misplaced, and horizontal storage is not ideal due to space inefficiency and risk of breakage.
Innovation Solution
A telescopically-adjustable tool holder with a compression spring and lock assemblies, allowing for secure and adjustable accommodation of tools of various dimensions, ensuring easy installation and removal without the need for multiple hooks or horizontal storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pegboard hook systems are used to secure tools, then tools can be stored vertically, but the hooks require significant user effort to install and remove tools, and hooks may come off when tools are disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder employs a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages with the tool when inserted, eliminating the need for manual hook securing. The spring force automatically holds the tool in place, and removal is achieved by simply pulling the tool out, with the spring automatically resetting. This self-servicing mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the system both reliable (automatic engagement) and easy to operate (simple insert/remove actions).
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple hooks are used to support elongate tools on a pegboard, then tool stability is improved, but the complexity of the storage system increases and requires more mental effort from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support functions into a single integrated tool holder unit. The spring-loaded base member with multiple contact points provides both stability and support for elongate tools within one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate hooks. This merging approach maintains tool stability while reducing system complexity and user mental effort.
3Ease of operation
If tools are stored on a flat horizontal surface, then installation is simple, but large space is expended and tools may pile up and fall leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal storage to vertical storage by designing a tool holder that stands upright on a flat surface. The vertical orientation allows tools to be stored in an upright position within the holder's cavity, preventing them from falling or breaking while maintaining simple installation. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by preserving installation simplicity while dramatically improving tool safety.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-length tool holder is used, then the construction is simple, but it cannot accommodate tools of various dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder incorporates a telescopic base member that can dynamically adjust its length to accommodate tools of various dimensions. The base member includes an outer tube and an inner telescopic tube that can extend and retract, allowing the holder to adapt to different tool lengths while maintaining a relatively simple construction. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between construction simplicity and adaptability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic base member with spring and lock assemblies is used, then adaptability to various tool dimensions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic base member employs a nested structure where an inner telescopic tube is housed within an outer tube. The spring mechanism is nested within the telescopic structure, and lock assemblies are integrated into the nested tubes. This nesting approach allows the complex functionality of adjustable length and spring engagement to be achieved within a compact form factor, reducing the apparent device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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
The tool holder provides a convenient, space-efficient solution for securing elongate tools, reducing the effort required for installation and minimizing the risk of tools falling or breaking, while accommodating tools of different sizes through adjustable length and locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring secured to the base member wherein, the length of the spring is automatically and accordingly altered as the length of the base member is manually adjusted
Implementation Method 2
a pair of opposingly-disposed lock assemblies, each of which comprising a plurality of linearly arranged lock holes disposed on a side inner member, a through outer lock hole disposed on a side of the outer member and a lock pin
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an adjustable tool holder for holding elongate hand held tools. The tool holder comprises a telescopically adjustable base member comprising an elongate, rectangular, hollow outer member and an elongate rectangular inner member configured to be snugly and slidably received within the outer member, the inner member adapted to be secured to the outer member at a plurality of lock positions thereby rendering the length of the base member adjustable. The tool holder further comprises a compression spring, one end of which is secured at the free end of the outer member and the other end of which is secured at the free end of the inner member. The length of the spring is subject to change in accordance with the change in the length of the base member. A tool is adapted to be held between two consecutive loops of the spring.