Universal Tool Docking Station With Latching Coupling Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools lack a secure, quick, and convenient mounting system that accommodates a variety of tools, leading to instability, time wastage, and safety hazards during use.
Innovation Solution
A universal tool docking station with a base, mounting frame, and latching mechanism that allows for easy and secure attachment and detachment of tools via a coupling plate, utilizing a beveled hinge and locking blocks for stable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tools are mounted using conventional methods, then tools can be held during use, but the mounting process is time-consuming and tools are not securely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a base unit with latch mechanism, and interchangeable coupling plates that attach to different tools. This segmentation allows the base to remain stationary while only the coupling plate needs to be attached/detached, significantly reducing mounting time while maintaining secure positioning through the latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plates are pre-configured with specific attachment features and geometries that correspond to different tool types. This preliminary preparation allows users to quickly select and attach the appropriate coupling plate without needing to modify tools or adjust mounting parameters during the mounting process.
2Ease of operation
If a specialized mounting system is designed for each tool type, then each tool can be securely mounted, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit with its latch mechanism serves as a universal mounting platform that can accommodate multiple different tool types through interchangeable coupling plates. Each coupling plate is designed to interface with specific tool types, but the base itself remains the same, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If tools are mounted quickly using simple methods, then mounting time is reduced, but the tools become unstable and unsafe to use
Solution Approach 1:
The complex latch mechanism and secure locking features are extracted from individual tool-specific mounting systems and consolidated into a single universal base unit. This allows the mounting action to be simplified to just attaching the coupling plate, while the extracted latch mechanism provides the necessary stability and security once the plate is in place.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a universal mounting system is created to accommodate various tools, then versatility is improved, but the mounting security and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Coupling plates serve as intermediary components between the universal base and different tool types. Each coupling plate is specifically designed to interface with particular tool geometries and attachment points, ensuring secure and stable mounting for each tool type while the universal base provides consistent locking through its latch mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a tool docking station includes a base, a mounting frame attached to the base including a hinge comprising a beveled, rounded, or concave edge, a coupling plate including a beveled, concave, or rounded edge, and a latch mechanism holding the mounting frame to the coupling plate. A method of docking tools via the tool docking station includes attaching a tool or device to a coupling plate, attaching the coupling plate to the base within the mounting frame, and securely holding the coupling plate to the base with the frame and the latch mechanism.