Tool Box Organizer Handle Latch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool box latches are difficult to open and close, especially when wearing work gloves or using one hand, and are prone to opening upon impact, causing tools to escape the case.

Innovation Solution

A tool box assembly with a top organizer that locks onto a bottom tool box, featuring a handle with a catch that latches onto a rim, allowing secure stacking and easy carrying with a pivoting mechanism that prevents accidental opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a latch is used to secure the tool accessory case, then the tool accessories are confined to the inner organizational compartment, but the latch is difficult to open and close when wearing work gloves or using one hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool accessory confinementVSAvoidlatch operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch arm that engages with a latch bar, allowing independent movement and simplifying the opening/closing operation while maintaining secure confinement of tools within the compartment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring complex multi-step latch manipulation, the design inverts the approach by using a simple pull-based mechanism where pulling the latch arm directly disengages the latch bar, making operation easier even with gloves or one hand

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a latch is used to secure the tool accessory case, then the tool accessories are confined to the inner organizational compartment, but the latch is prone to open upon impact such as when the case is dropped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool accessory confinementVSAvoidimpact-induced opening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded retention force that continuously maintains engagement between the latch arm and latch bar, creating preliminary resistance against impact forces that could cause the latch to open accidentally during drops or vibrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If the tool box is designed with a handle for carrying, then the tool box can be easily carried, but the handle may pivot or rotate during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying convenienceVSAvoidhandle position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a pivotal connection that allows controlled movement for easy attachment and detachment from the tool box, while incorporating a locking mechanism that stabilizes the handle position during carrying to prevent unwanted pivoting or rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9193060B2Tool box assembly

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 TEFENPLAST

AI summary

A tool box organizer is arranged to removably sit on top of a bottom tool box. The tool box organizer has a handle with a catch. The handle pivots so the catch locks on the bottom tool box.