Tool Box Assembly Locking Mechanism for Secure Tray Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool box structures suffer from tools and sockets falling when the tray is inclined beyond 90 degrees due to the lack of a locking mechanism, causing inconvenience to users.
Innovation Solution
A tool box assembly with a case and tool holder featuring locking elements with pivot portions, connecting portions, and press portions that allow the tool holder to be securely attached and detached, preventing easy dislodgment and enabling individual use of tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray is inclined more than ninety degrees, then the tray can be opened for access, but the stud is easily detached and tools fall from the recessed openings
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element changes its functional state from locked to unlocked by deforming it elastically through pressing the pressing portion. This parameter change allows the locking element to rotate about the connecting portion and detach the tool holder when needed, while maintaining secure retention during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate about the connecting portion when the pressing portion is deformed. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to transition between locked and unlocked states, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and easy detachment.
2Reliability
If the locking element is securely attached to prevent detachment, then tools remain fixed, but the tool holder cannot be easily removed for individual use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be deformable by user pressure, allowing the user to directly activate the unlocking mechanism by pressing the pressing portion. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate unlocking tools or complex mechanisms, enabling easy detachment when needed while maintaining secure retention during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element transitions from a rigid locked state to a flexible unlocked state through elastic deformation. When the pressing portion is pressed, the locking element deforms and rotates, changing its positional parameter to detach the tool holder. This parameter change allows the system to switch between secure retention and easy removal.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent tool detachment, then tool retention improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, enables rotation for angle adjustment, and incorporates the locking/unlocking mechanism through its deformable pressing portion. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate locking components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable tool retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple purposes: it acts as a structural connector, a rotational joint, and a locked/unlocked mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking components, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable tool holder retention during use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The locking mechanism securely attaches and detaches the tool holder from the case, preventing tools from falling and allowing for easy individual use, enhancing user convenience and tool management.
Implementation Method 1
When the press portion is pressed, each of the locking elements is rotated about the connecting portion, so that the third pivot portion is detached from the second pivot portion
Implementation Method 2
The third pivot portion is pivotally connected with the second pivot portion so that the at least one tool holder is rotated relative to the locking elements
Data Source
AI summary
A tool box assembly includes at least one case, at least one tool holder mounted in and rotated relative to the at least one case, and multiple hand tools mounted in the at least one tool holder. The at least one case has a first pivot portion and multiple locking elements. Each of the locking elements has a second pivot portion, a connecting portion, and a press portion. The at least one tool holder has a third pivot portion. When the press portion is pressed, each of the locking elements is rotated about the connecting portion, so that the third pivot portion is detached from the second pivot portion, and the at least one tool holder is detached from the at least one case. Thus, the at least one tool holder and the hand tools are used individually.