Power Tool Holster Locking Bracket for Secure Rail Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hanger accessories in limited space storage areas are prone to dislodging objects, leading to potential damage when accidentally knocked, especially power tools.

Innovation Solution

A hanger accessory system with a bracket and power tool holster featuring snap-fit mechanisms and locking mechanisms to securely mount a power tool holster to a rail, preventing accidental dislodging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple hanger accessory is used on a rail system, then the storage system remains simple and easy to operate, but the object stored may be dislodged if the hanger accessory is accidentally knocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of stored objectVSAvoidcomplexity of hanger accessory
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger accessory incorporates a movable locking mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking arm is resiliently biased to automatically engage with the rail's locking feature when the accessory is mounted, providing secure retention. The mechanism can be manually actuated to release the lock, allowing controlled removal of the stored object without requiring complete disassembly of the mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the hanger accessory and the rail system. It provides a mechanical interface that transfers and secures the stored object's weight to the rail structure while maintaining the ability to release this connection when needed. The locking arm serves as the mediating component that engages with complementary features on both the accessory and rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent dislodging, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental dislodgingVSAvoidease of mounting and removing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with resilient biasing that automatically engages the lock when the hanger accessory is mounted on the rail. This dynamic engagement eliminates the need for manual locking operations during installation. The same resilient feature allows easy manual actuation to release the lock for removal, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring secure retention during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is self-activating upon mounting. When the hanger accessory is attached to the rail, the locking arm automatically engages with the rail's locking feature through resilient bias, securing the stored object without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically transitioning to the locked state, reducing the operational steps required by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system securely holds power tools in place, preventing accidental dislodging and damage, allowing convenient storage without bulky cases.

Implementation Method 1

The holster locking mechanism comprises at least one snap fit mechanism comprising a resiliently biased hook arranged to engage in a reciprocal hole in the bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4667165A1A hanger accessory and hanger system
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP4667165A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4667165A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4667165A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hanger accessory for a rail comprises a bracket removably mountable on the rail. The hanger accessory also comprises a power tool holster mountable to the bracket. The power tool holster is arranged to hold a power tool when the hanger accessory is mounted on the rail.