Tool Storage Box Plug-in Means Form-locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool storage devices lack a secure and easy-to-use mechanism for attaching and detaching insertion means, leading to potential self-loosening and rattling issues, which affect the perceived quality and durability.

Innovation Solution

A tool storage device with a plug-in means featuring a first and second holding end that form a form-locking connection with the storage housing, providing a non-positive connection without play, and allowing for elastic deformation to secure the insertion means firmly in place, ensuring easy detachment and a robust acoustic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a snap mechanism is used to attach the storage container to the tool case, then the attachment is simple and detachable, but the connection may self-loosen and cause rattling

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedetachabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two independent holding ends (first holding end and second holding end) that connect at different locations. This segmentation allows each end to provide separate stabilization, preventing self-loosening while maintaining easy detachability through the dual-form-locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual form-locking connection provides beforehand stabilization by securing the storage container at multiple points before any loosening can occur. The first and second holding ends create redundant connections that prevent rattling and self-loosening from the outset

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

2Reliability

If the insertion means is firmly clamped to the storage housing, then rattling and self-loosening are prevented, but detachment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddetachability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system extracts the locking function into two separate form-locking mechanisms (first holding end and second holding end) that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This allows the insertion means to be firmly clamped during use but easily detached by releasing one or both holding ends

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a non-positive connection is used to support the insertion means without play, then firm mounting is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting firmnessVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The form-locking connection and non-positive connection are merged into a unified dual holding end system. The first holding end provides form-locking in one direction while the second holding end provides form-locking and non-positive support in another direction, achieving firm mounting without increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution ensures the insertion means is securely attached without play, preventing self-loosening and rattling, enhancing the perceived quality and durability by providing a prestressed connection that offers haptic and acoustic feedback, and allows for easy removal of tools.

Implementation Method 1

A prestressed tool storage device, in particular an insertion means and/or a storage housing, can be realized by an elastic deformation, such as a compression or bending of the insertion means and/or the storage housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3463762B1Tool storage device
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3463762B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3463762B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3463762B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool storage device, in particular a tool storage box, for storing application tools and/or assembly aids, having at least • - a plug-in means (13) for retaining application tools or assembly aids, and • - a storage housing (15) having a receiving region (17) for releasably fastening the plug-in means to the storage housing. The plug-in means has a first retaining end (21) connected, in particular at least partially in a form-fitting manner, to the receiving region of the storage housing, and a second retaining end (23) connected at least partially in a form-fitting manner to the receiving region of the storage housing, in order to secure the plug-in means in a form-fitting manner with respect to at least a first direction X. It is proposed that the plug-in means, in particular the first retaining end and the second retaining end of the plug-in means, be connected to the storage housing such that the plug-in means is mounted, in particular clamped in place, firmly, in particular in a play-free manner, in at least a second direction Y on the storage housing.