Toolbox Composite Frame with Reinforced Locking Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Toolboxes made of plastic are structurally weak, prone to damage and deformation due to the attachment of locking members, hinges, and connecting elements, leading to a shorter service life.

Innovation Solution

A toolbox design featuring a metal main frame and lid with plastic flanges, combined with a locking assembly using positioning members and locking units for enhanced structural strength and durability, while maintaining light weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If locking members, hinges and connecting elements are attached to a plastic toolbox, then the toolbox can perform its function, but the structural strength is weakened and the toolbox becomes fragile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of locking members and hingesVSAvoidstructural strength of toolbox

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The toolbox employs a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials. The main body is made of plastic for light weight, while metal reinforcing plates are attached to specific areas to provide structural strength at critical locations where locking members and hinges are mounted, preventing deformation and breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If locking members, hinges and connecting elements are attached to a plastic toolbox, then the toolbox can perform its function, but the toolbox is prone to damage and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of locking members and hingesVSAvoidresistance to damage and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The toolbox employs a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials. The main body is made of plastic for light weight, while metal reinforcing plates are attached to specific areas to provide structural strength at critical locations where locking members and hinges are mounted, preventing deformation and breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Weight of moving object

If a plastic toolbox is used, then the weight is reduced, but the structural strength is weak

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of toolboxVSAvoidstructural strength of toolbox

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The toolbox employs a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials. The main body is made of plastic for light weight, while metal reinforcing plates are attached to specific areas to provide structural strength at critical locations where locking members and hinges are mounted, preventing deformation and breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the entire toolbox from strong metal, the invention applies metal reinforcing plates only at specific critical areas where locking members and hinges are attached. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength at key points while maintaining the overall light weight of the plastic body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11325242B1Toolbox

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 MING SHIN TOOLS CO LTD

AI summary

A toolbox is provided, including a main body, a lid and at least on locking assembly. The main body has a first flange and a first frame. The first frame is disposed on the first flange. The cover has a second flange and a second frame. The second frame is disposed on the second flange. At least one tray or drawer is disposed in the main body. The at least one locking assembly has a first locking unit, a second locking unit, first positioning members and second positioning members. The first locking unit is positioned on the first frame by the first positioning members. The second locking unit is positioned on the second frame by the second positioning members. Each first positioning member is disposed through two side of the first flange. Each second positioning member is disposed through two sides of the second flange.