Tool Holder Plug Element with Spacer to Prevent Bending and Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool holders tend to cause tools to rotate or bend due to the weight of the tools, leading to accidental dislodging and obstruction of storage space.

Innovation Solution

A tool holder with a plug element and spacer element that includes a connecting element, such as a hook or basket, and a spacer element that stabilizes the plug element against bending or rotation, allowing for secure storage and display of various tools without obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tools are hung vertically in the tool holder, then storage convenience is improved, but the tools tend to rotate and supporting portions bend due to tool weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidtool stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spacer element that extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the back surface, creating a third dimensional constraint. This spacer element prevents the plug element from rotating or bending by providing lateral support, thus stabilizing the tool holder while maintaining vertical storage convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer element acts as an intermediary component between the plug element and the back surface. It mediates the structural interaction by providing additional support and preventing direct bending or rotation of the plug element under tool weight, thereby enhancing reliability without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If supporting portions are made to bear tool weight, then storage capacity is improved, but supporting portions bend and tools become dislodged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsupporting portion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer element extends perpendicular to the plane of the back surface, adding a dimensional constraint that prevents bending of the supporting portions. This allows the supporting portions to bear tool weight effectively without deforming, maintaining both storage capacity and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer element provides preemptive structural reinforcement by extending between the connecting element and the back surface plane. This beforehand support prevents bending before it occurs, allowing the supporting portions to safely bear the full weight of stored tools without deformation or tool dislodging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If plug elements are inserted into tool holder cavities, then tool storage is enabled, but plug elements bend or deform due to hanged tool weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool storage capabilityVSAvoidplug element strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer element extends in a direction perpendicular to the back surface plane, creating a three-dimensional support structure. This additional dimensional constraint prevents the plug element from bending or deforming under vertical tool weight, while still allowing the plug element to be inserted into and removed from the tool holder cavity, maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer element serves as an intermediary support structure between the connecting element and the back surface. It absorbs and distributes the stress from hanged tools, preventing direct transmission of bending forces to the plug element, thereby preserving plug element strength while enabling versatile tool storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4238457B1Tool holder
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP4238457B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4238457B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4238457B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool holder (100) includes a tool holder body (110) defining a front surface (120) and a back surface (130). The front surface (120) defines at least one tool holder cavity (124) extending from the front surface (120) towards the back surface (130). The back surface (130) defines a plane (X-X') parallel to and coinciding with the back surface (130). A plug element (300) is adapted to be coupled with the at least one tool holder cavity (124) and includes a coupling element (320) and a connecting element (310) coupled to the coupling element (320). The connecting element (310) allows connection of at least one implement (214) to the plug element (300). The tool holder (100) is characterized in that the plug element (300) further includes a spacer element (330) coupled to the connecting element (310). The spacer element (330) extends away from the connecting element (310). The spacer element (330) extends between the connecting element (310) and the plane (X-X') defined by the back surface (130).