Modular Tool Holder Assembly for Faster Tool Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an inexpensive, durable, and easily customizable tool organizer for DIY consumers to store and organize mechanic's tools efficiently, as current solutions lack organization, making it difficult to find specific tools.
Innovation Solution
A modular tool holder system comprising tool holder components with male and female connector structures that interlock with abutment wall structures, allowing for easy assembly and organization of various tools, using projections, posts, detents, or blades for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tools are stored together in tool boxes or drawers with little or no organization, then storage capacity is maximized, but it becomes difficult to find particular tools needed for use
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage system is divided into multiple modular components including tool holder components, abutment wall structures, and connector structures. Each component can be independently configured and assembled to create customized organizational sections within the tool box or drawer, enabling efficient tool retrieval while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connector structures (male and female connectors) that allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions and be configured in various arrangements. The tool holder components can accommodate different tool types and sizes, and the abutment walls can be positioned to create different compartment configurations, providing versatile organization without requiring numerous specialized parts
2Ease of operation
If a modular tool holder system with multiple connector structures is implemented, then organization and accessibility are improved, but the number of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into reusable modular components (tool holder components, abutment wall structures, connector structures) that can be independently assembled and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the same set of components to create multiple organizational configurations, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing the total number of components needed
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated modular components. The tool holder components incorporate both tool-retaining features and connector structures in single units, as do the abutment wall structures. This merging reduces the overall component count compared to having separate elements for each function, while still providing the organizational benefits of a modular system
3Ease of operation
If custom organization solutions are created for tool storage, then tool accessibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed as universal building blocks that can be used to create multiple custom organizational configurations. The standardized connector structures and component interfaces allow the same manufactured parts to serve various organizational needs, enabling customization without requiring custom-manufactured parts for each configuration, thus controlling manufacturing costs while providing ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the storage system into standardized modular components, the patent enables custom organization through simple assembly of pre-manufactured units rather than requiring complex custom manufacturing. Each modular component can be mass-produced independently and then assembled by the end user into customized configurations, separating the manufacturing complexity from the customization capability
Data Source
AI summary
A modular tool holder for holding an array of different mechanic's tools includes a tool holder component having opposed, upwardly extending first and second faces. The first and second faces are separated by an intermediate section contoured to receive and hold a mechanics tool. A male connector structure is disposed along the base of the first face and a female connector structure is disposed along the base of the second face. An abutment wall structure extends upwardly to a height above the tool holder component. The abutment wall structure has a first wall and a second wall spaced from the first wall. A female connector structure is incorporated into the first wall to interconnect with the male connector structure of the tool holder component, and a male connector structure is located at the base of the second wall to interconnect with the female connector structure of an adjacent tool holder component.