Modular Tool Storage Latch for Soft-Hard Unit Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage devices often lack efficient and versatile systems for securely combining soft-sided and hard-sided components, leading to cumbersome and inconvenient transportation and access issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a soft-sided storage device with integral projections and a latch assembly, coupled with a hard-sided storage device through complementary recesses and a locking mechanism, allowing secure and easy attachment and detachment for combined carrying, while maintaining independent access to both components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If soft-sided and hard-sided storage devices are combined into a single system, then transportation efficiency and organization are improved, but the complexity of the attachment system and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: attachment projections on the soft-sided device, complementary recesses on the hard-sided device, and independent latch assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling easier operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly incorporates a spring-biased mechanism that automatically engages the attachment projections with recesses when the devices are brought together. The spring provides automatic locking without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to firmly attach the soft-sided device to the hard-sided device, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and quick detachment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with movable components including a latch member that can transition between engaged and disengaged positions, and a spring that dynamically adjusts to maintain proper tension. This dynamic design allows the system to provide strong holding force during transport while enabling quick release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded during assembly to automatically urge the latch member into the engaged position when the attachment projections are inserted into the recesses. This preliminary action ensures reliable connection without requiring manual locking steps, and the pre-positioned latch allows for rapid detachment by simply releasing the latch trigger.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container with various aspects is described herein. The storage container may have cleats or cleat receptacles to interact with other storage containers and/or accessories. The storage container may also include rails for attachment of various accessories. Some versions of the storage container may further include telescopic uprights connected to a handle. Many of the versions of the storage containers may further include wheels for transporting the storage containers and their contents.