Tool Tray Lug-and-Groove Mounting for Adjustable Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for storing and carrying utensils, such as tool cabinets and tray systems, are cumbersome and laborious to use, especially when tools need to be accessed at remote sites, as they require manual removal and reinsertion into compartments, which complicates maintaining order and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a storage tray unit with lugs that insert into a carrying unit's accommodating groove, allowing the tray to be connected and disconnected without tools, and adjustable to multiple angular positions, ensuring optimal accessibility and presentation by preventing tilting and using snap-type projections for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools are stored in fixed compartments in tool cabinets, then organization and order are maintained, but accessibility and portability to remote sites are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage system is divided into separate modular components: a carrying unit and multiple interchangeable storage tray units. Each tray unit can be independently removed and transported, allowing users to take only the necessary tools to remote sites without moving the entire cabinet system.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tray units are designed with dynamic connectivity - they can be easily attached to and removed from the carrying unit using the lug and groove mechanism. This dynamic connection enables quick reconfiguration and transport of tool sets without complex assembly or disassembly procedures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid foam liners with precise recesses are used to maintain tool order, then organization is improved, but handling and movement become awkward and involved
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system separates the organizational function (storage tray units with compartments) from the transport function (carrying unit). The tray units can be easily detached and carried to remote sites, while maintaining their organizational structure through the lug-groove connection that prevents accidental disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lug and accommodating groove mechanism acts as an intermediary that provides secure connection between the storage tray unit and carrying unit. This simple mechanical interface enables easy attachment and detachment without requiring complex fastening systems or tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage tray units are made removable for portability, then accessibility to remote sites is improved, but secure connection and prevention of accidental disengagement become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface uses an asymmetric lug-groove design where the lug has a specific shape that fits into the accommodating groove with a defined orientation. This asymmetric geometry provides secure connection in the correct position while preventing accidental disengagement, yet allows easy removal when intentionally manipulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The Lug is designed with a curved lower surface that conforms to the groove geometry, creating a stable mechanical connection. The curved interface distributes loads effectively and prevents lateral displacement while maintaining easy attach/detach capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple angular positions are provided for storage tray units, then accessibility and presentation are optimized for different situations, but connection mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying unit is designed with multiple accommodating grooves at different angular positions, each capable of receiving the same lug design from storage tray units. This universal interface allows a single tray unit design to be connected in multiple orientations, providing adaptability without requiring different connection mechanisms for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system provides dynamic positioning capability through multiple fixed angular options. Users can select the most appropriate angular position for each storage tray unit based on the specific situation, enabling optimization of accessibility and presentation while maintaining a simple standardized connection mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for storing utensils, especially tools, comprises at least one storage tray unit (1) for accommodating utensils to be stored, which storage tray unit can be connected to a carrying unit (5) for carrying the storage tray unit (1) and can be removed from the carrying unit (5). The storage tray unit (1) comprises at least one lug (12, 13, 14) which can be inserted into a receiving groove (8) of the carrying unit (5) in order to connect the storage tray unit (1) to the carrying unit (5), the storage tray unit (1) connected to the carrying unit (5) projecting from the carrying unit (5). In order to connect the storage tray unit (1) to the carrying unit (5) in various angular positions, different lugs (12, 13, 14) of the storage tray unit (1) can be inserted into the receiving groove (8) of the carrying unit (5).