Tire-Mounted Tool Tray With Spring Locking for Under-Hood Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile mechanics face challenges in keeping tools within reach while working under a vehicle's hood, as existing solutions either result in tools falling into hard-to-reach areas or require frequent trips to a nearby tool box, and there is a need for a secure, deployable tray with a locking mechanism to prevent tools from sliding off.
Innovation Solution
A tire attachable tool tray with a shelf section, locking plate, support plate, and a spring-loaded locking mechanism integrated with a handle, allowing for secure attachment and detachment to a tire, ensuring tools are kept within arm's reach and preventing sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools are kept within arms reach, then accessibility is improved, but tools may fall into hard to reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tray as an intermediary platform attached to the vehicle body, which provides a stable surface for holding tools within arms reach. The tray acts as a mediator between the mechanic and tools, preventing tools from falling into hard-to-reach areas while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is divided into multiple sections including a first tray section and a second tray section, allowing tools to be organized and secured in designated areas. This segmentation prevents tools from sliding off or falling while keeping them easily accessible.
2Reliability
If tools are kept in a tool box on floor or shelf, then tools are secure, but mechanic wastes time walking to retrieve tools
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with adjustable and reconfigurable sections that can be dynamically positioned within arms reach of the mechanic. The first tray section can rotate relative to the second tray section, allowing the tool storage area to be dynamically adjusted to the optimal position for quick access during different maintenance tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray serves multiple functions: it provides secure tool storage, maintains tools within arms reach, and can be configured in different positions. The multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tool boxes on floors or shelves, reducing time loss while maintaining tool security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tray is made deployable for selective use, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented into multiple independently movable sections (first tray section and second tray section) that can be selectively deployed and positioned. Each section has its own locking mechanism, allowing independent control and simplifying the overall deployment process compared to a single complex movable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses spring-loaded locking legs that automatically engage with recesses in the tire when the tray is positioned correctly. This self-locking feature reduces the complexity of manual locking operations while maintaining secure attachment and selective deployability.
4Ease of operation
If locking mechanism is spring loaded for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components including locking legs, springs, and recesses distributed across different parts of the tray and tire. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking legs automatically engage and disengage based on the position and pressure applied to the tray. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual locking operations or additional actuators, simplifying both operation and manufacturing compared to fully manual or motorized locking systems.
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 solution provides a stable, deployable shelf that keeps tools within arm's reach, reducing the need for frequent trips and preventing tools from falling or sliding, enhancing the efficiency and safety of vehicle maintenance tasks.
Implementation Method 1
two spring loaded locking legs which pass through the locking plate
Data Source
AI summary
A tire attachable tool tray for providing a selectively deployable shelf surface within arms reach of the hood of a vehicle includes a generally planar surface shelf section attached to a locking plate and a support plate, each of which define rigid planar bodies which extend perpendicularly from the bottom of the shelf section. Integral with the locking plate is a locking mechanism which is defined by two spring loaded locking legs. In this regard, a user can move the locking assembly into an engaged position in which it is primed to lock onto a tire through the application of manual force on the handle and then lock the assembly on a tire by placing a tire between the locking plate and support plate and removing the manual force keeping the locking mechanism in the engaged position.