Tool Rack Trying-On Structure for Secure Visible Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tool racks do not allow for try-on of tools before purchase and hide tools, failing to enhance consumer desire to buy due to the cover that retains tools but obstructs visibility.

Innovation Solution

A tool rack design featuring a main body with a tool holding section, including first, second, and third tool holding elements, and a trying on element with a locking unit that allows one tool to be locked and rotated to any desired angle, enabling try-on while preventing tools from falling or being obscured.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover is installed over the tool holding supports to retain tools, then tools are prevented from falling, but tools become hidden and consumers cannot try them on before buying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool retentionVSAvoidtool accessibility for try-on

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool rack is divided into two distinct functional zones: a covered tool holding section for secure storage and an uncovered trying on section for customer interaction. This segmentation allows tools to be both securely retained and accessible for try-on by providing separate spaces for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A separate trying on element acts as an intermediary between the covered tool holding supports and the customer. This intermediary component allows customers to access and try on tools without compromising the security provided by the cover over the main tool holding area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If tools are retained in the tool holding supports, then tools are securely held, but consumers cannot assess tools before purchasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool securityVSAvoidtool visibility for assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The rack structure segments tools into two groups: those in the covered holding supports for security and those placed on the uncovered trying on element for visibility and assessment. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between security and visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a vertical dimension to tool accessibility by placing the trying on element above the covered tool holding supports. This dimensional change allows tools to be displayed for assessment while maintaining secure storage below.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If tools are made accessible for try-on, then consumer desire to buy is enhanced, but tools may hit other tools or fall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidtool collision and falling risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The trying on element is designed with a positioning structure that beforehand prevents tools from being placed in incorrect positions. This prior positioning cushioning ensures tools are securely held during try-on, preventing collision with other tools or falling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The trying on element serves as a safe intermediary zone between the secure covered storage and customer hands. This intermediary provides a controlled environment for tool handling with built-in positioning features that prevent harmful collisions or drops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8047386B2Tool rack with multi-function

Publication Date: 2011.11.01 INFAR IND CO LTD

AI summary

A tool rack comprises a main body; a tool holding section including a plurality of longitudinal tool holding elements defining a plurality of tool holding supports for retaining tools; and a flexible member adapted for slide along an upper side of the tool holding section and across the tools for firmly retaining the tools on the main body.