Tool Holder Anti-Theft Mechanism with Deformable Side Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool holders are vulnerable to theft and inconvenient to use, as sockets can be easily removed by thieves and are difficult to detach after purchase due to the design involving a spring and steel ball mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder design featuring a connector with deformable side plates and locking projections that retract into a fitting zone, combined with a fixer that limits deformation, providing an anti-theft mechanism and allowing easy removal and fitting of tools by rotating the tool 45 degrees to avoid scratching the locking projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring and steel ball mechanism is used to retain sockets, then the sockets are securely held, but the sockets become difficult to remove after purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking projection is designed to dynamically change its position between a locking state (extending into the fitting zone to engage with the tool) and a retracted state (withdrawing from the fitting zone to allow tool removal). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing secure retention during display while enabling easy removal after purchase through the cutting operation that releases the deformation constraint
2Ease of operation
If the side plates are made deformable to enable locking projection retraction, then tool removal is facilitated, but the structure becomes vulnerable to theft during display
Solution Approach 1:
The fixer is installed in advance to constrain the side plates in their deformed state, preventing the locking projections from retracting. This preliminary action secures the tools during display. After purchase, the fixer is cut away, releasing the constraint and allowing the side plates to return to their original state, enabling tool removal
Solution Approach 2:
The fixer acts as an intermediary element that temporarily constrains the deformable side plates. It mediates between the need for secure display (preventing retraction) and the need for easy removal (allowing retraction). The fixer is removed after purchase, transferring the system from a secured state to a usable state
3Strength
If the locking projection extends out of the fitting zone for secure locking, then the locking strength is improved, but the locking projection is prone to scratching and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with diagonal corners that create an asymmetric engagement geometry. When the tool is inserted at the correct orientation, the diagonal corners align with the locking projection, concentrating the locking force on specific contact points. This asymmetric design improves locking strength while minimizing contact area, thereby reducing wear and scratching of the locking projection
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder contains: a connector and a fixer. The connector includes at least one body, and each body has a first side plate and a second side plate. The connector also includes a fixing mount connecting with the first side plate and the second side plate. The first side plate has a first fitting portion, and the second side plate has a second fitting portion. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion define a fitting zone, and the first side plate further has a first locking projection. Among the first side plate, the second side plate and the fixing mount is defined a cavity. The fixer is housed in the cavity of the connector to limit the first side plate and the second side plate to drive the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion to deform.