Tool Storage Container with Tactile Bas-Relief Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices fail to provide both visual and tactile information about their contents, especially under poor visibility conditions, and often compromise space-saving design when attempting to convey tool type through protrusions or embossments.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional bas-relief information element with reduced height is attached to the storage container, featuring design-specific structural elements that are tactile and visually distinct, allowing identification of the tool by touch without excessive volume, made from a different material than the container, and optionally multicolored with varying curvatures and textures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tool protrudes through a window of the storage container or the container wall follows the contour of the tool, then the tool type can be identified by touch, but the storage device loses space-saving design and becomes difficult to stack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a bas-relief information element that reproduces the essential tactile features of the tool stored in the container. Instead of the actual tool protruding through the container wall, a flattened relief copy with key structural elements (such as ridges, grooves, and contours) is attached to the container surface. This allows users to identify the tool type by touch through the relief features while maintaining the container's compact, stackable form factor.
2Loss of information
If a label with tool images is provided on the storage container, then tool type information is visible, but the label cannot be felt under poor visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visual information function of labels with the tactile information function of embossments into a single bas-relief information element. The relief structure provides both visual contrast (through its three-dimensional form) and tactile distinguishability (through raised features that can be felt by touch). This combined approach ensures that tool type information remains accessible under poor visibility conditions, as users can locate and identify the correct tool by feeling the relief features on the container surface.
3Volume of moving object
If the storage container is made compact for space-saving stacking, then storage efficiency is improved, but tactile identification of tool type becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by concentrating tactile identification features in specific localized areas of the container surface. Rather than making the entire container surface tactile or compromising the overall compact form, the bas-relief information element is attached to specific locations where tool identification is needed. The relief features locally reproduce the essential tactile characteristics of the stored tool, allowing users to identify tool types by touch at these specific points while the rest of the container maintains its compact, space-saving design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage device comprising a storage container (1, 2) that can be brought from a storage position in which a tool stored therein (3) cannot be removed, to a removal position, in which the tool stored therein can be removed, with an indication element (4) indicating the tool (3), said indication element being distinct from the storage container (1, 2) but firmly attached to the storage container (1, 2) and visible in the storage position. According to the invention, an indication element (4) is provided that can be attached to the storage container in simple manner and is not only visible but also palpable, wherein the indication element (4) is a flattened relief of the tool (3).