Tool Container System With Integrated Stacking Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in organizing and preventing the misplacement of tool accessory containers due to their varying shapes and sizes, and existing stackable container systems lack effective locking mechanisms for secure stacking and arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A tool container system featuring containers with pivotable bases and covers, locking members, and latches that allow for secure stacking and locking of containers of different sizes, enabling a variety of configurations and arrangements while ensuring easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If containers are made stackable with varying shapes and sizes, then storage versatility and organization are improved, but the containers become easy to misplace and difficult to organize
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage solution into modular containers of different sizes (small, medium, large) that can be independently selected and combined. Each container type has standardized stacking interfaces, allowing users to segment their tool storage into organized groups rather than mixing all container types together.
Solution Approach 2:
All container types share universal stacking interfaces and locking mechanisms. The standardized design allows small, medium, and large containers to interoperate through common features like the latch system and stacking surfaces, creating a unified organization system despite size variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing stackable container systems are used, then stacking capability is provided, but effective locking mechanisms are lacking for secure stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges two functions into a single action: the latch simultaneously secures the container lid closed and locks the stacked container in place. This integrated design ensures that when containers are stacked, both the lid security and stacking security are achieved through one locking component.
Solution Approach 2:
The container lid must be fully closed before the latch can engage the locked position. This preliminary action ensures that the container is properly sealed before stacking, and the latch mechanism is designed to only lock when the lid is correctly positioned, preventing insecure stacking.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool container system includes a first tool container (20) and a second tool container (20'). The first tool container has a first base (22), a first cover (24) pivotably attached to the first base by a first hinge portion (26), a first base locking member (40) coupled to the base, a first cover locking member (32) coupled to the first cover, and a first latch (28) coupled to the first base and moveable between a first unlocked position in which the first cover is movable relative to the first base between a closed position and an open position, and a first locked position in which the first latch engages the first cover locking member and the first cover is locked to the first base in the closed position. The second tool container (20') is stackable on the first cover of the first tool container and having a second locking member (40'). When the second tool container is stacked on the first tool container, the second tool container is lockable to the first tool container when the first latch is moved to the first locked position to engage both the first cover locking member and the second locking member.