Tool Box Assembly Connectors for Stacking Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool box assemblies face instability when stacked, requiring multiple complex steps for engagement and separation, and only the top box can be opened, making them inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A tool box assembly design featuring connectors with blocks, insertion plates, engaging portions, and hooks that allow secure stacking and easy separation, enabling the upper box to be moved relative to the lower box and allowing the lower box's cover to be opened while maintaining connection between the boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first engaging means is engaged with the first rib of the top box, then the boxes can be connected, but the connection is unstable and the first rib can be easily separated by impact
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion with engaging means, a lever for operation, and a rib structure. The engaging means includes multiple engagement points (first engaging means with first rib, second engaging means with second rib) that work together to provide stable connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the instability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple engagement mechanisms (first engaging means with first rib, second engaging means with second rib) into a single integrated connector system. The body portion of the connector simultaneously engages with both ribs, creating a merged connection system that distributes load and prevents easy separation, thereby improving connection stability.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is pivoted to separate the first engaging means from the second rib, then the box can be stacked, but too many steps are involved making it inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with the lever in a specific position that automatically engages the engaging means with the ribs when boxes are stacked. The spring element is pre-compressed to provide automatic engagement force. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for multiple manual steps, allowing users to simply place the box and the connector automatically secures it.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-engagement and self-locking functions through the spring-loaded mechanism. When boxes are stacked, the spring automatically pushes the engaging means into engagement with the ribs, and the lever automatically positions itself to lock the connection. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention steps, reducing time and improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple locking members have to be opened one by one, then the boxes can be separated, but this is not convenient for users and only the top box can be opened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows the same connector structure to serve multiple functions: it can engage and lock boxes together, and it can be independently operated to open or close boxes. Each connector acts as a universal element that can be manipulated by its lever to control the engagement state, enabling users to open any connected box without affecting others, simplifying the operation significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool box assembly includes multiple tool boxes that are stacked together. Each tool box has a body, a cover and multiple connectors. The connectors are used to connect two tool boxes together. The tool box on the upper level includes blocks, insertion plates, engaging portions and hooks so as to be connected with the recessed areas, notches, rooms and slots of the cover of the tool box on the lower level. The connectors each have a ridge and a rail. The rail is slidably engaged with the groove of the cover, and the ridge is connected with the clip portion and block of the cover.