Tool-hanging apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool-hanging apparatuses are complex, costly, and difficult to assemble, with unnecessary components increasing production time and expense, and often feature troublesome mechanisms that complicate the hanging and testing of tools like one-way wrenches.
Innovation Solution
A simplified tool-hanging apparatus comprising a hanger with an inward flange and teeth, and a rotor with elastic strips that allow easy assembly and rotation, using elastic strips to securely hold the rotor in place while allowing it to rotate relative to the hanger, and incorporating a spring-biased ball to prevent the tool from being detached without rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complicated structure with multiple elements (hangers, rotational elements, covers, anti-theft blocks, restraining elements) is used to securely hold and test tools, then the tool can be tested while hung, but the assembly process becomes complex, time-consuming, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated hanger structure. The hanger includes both the attachment mechanism (with inward flange and teeth) and the tool-holding mechanism (with square bore for square tongue) in one component, eliminating the need for separate anti-theft blocks, restraining elements, and rotational elements. This merging reduces the component count from 6+ parts to essentially 2 main parts (hanger and rotor), directly resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) attachment to display surfaces via the inward flange, (2) tool securing via the square bore engagement with square tongue, (3) rotation control via teeth engagement with the rotor tooth, and (4) anti-theft functionality through the integrated structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing complexity while maintaining all necessary functions
2Reliability
If multiple components (hangers, anti-theft blocks, restraining elements) are used to prevent tool theft and ensure secure display, then tool security is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-theft functionality is merged into the hanger structure itself through the inward flange and teeth features, eliminating the need for separate anti-theft blocks and restraining elements. The rotor's elastic strips with grooves engage the inward flange to prevent removal, while the tooth engages the hanger teeth to control rotation, providing anti-theft capability with minimal components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (restraining elements, separate anti-theft blocks) that do not add functional value. The essential anti-theft function is achieved through the simplified engagement between the rotor's elastic strips and the hanger's inward flange, removing redundant elements that complicate manufacturing and assembly
3Ease of operation
If a rotor with elastic strips and grooves is used to allow tool rotation while hung, then tool testing capability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex compared to simple hangers
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor uses elastic strips (flexible elements) with grooves instead of rigid mechanical components. The elastic strips can deform to engage and disengage from the hanger's inward flange, allowing easy rotation of the tool while hung. This flexible approach simplifies the rotation mechanism compared to traditional rigid mechanical joints, reducing overall complexity while enabling the desired functionality
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 apparatus is easy to assemble, cost-effective, and allows for effortless tool testing by enabling rotation without the need to detach the tool, reducing assembly time and costs while maintaining secure tool attachment.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the elastic strips includes a groove between a ridge and a barb. When the rotor is inserted in the ring, the grooves of the elastic strips receive the inward flange to keep the rotor in the ring and allow the rotor to rotate relative to the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A tool-hanging apparatus includes a hanger and a rotor. The hanger includes a ring, an inward flange formed on a rear internal section of the ring, and teeth formed on a front internal section of the ring. An internal diameter of the inward flange is smaller than a diameter of a circular defined by the teeth. The rotor includes elastic strips extending from a tube. Each of the elastic strips includes a groove between a ridge and a barb. One of the elastic strips includes a tooth extending from the ridge of the same. When the rotor is inserted in the ring, the grooves of the elastic strips receive the inward flange to keep the rotor in the ring and allow the rotor to rotate relative to the ring. The tooth is engageable with the teeth to keep the rotor at an angle relative to the ring elastically.