Composite Toolbox Frame with Embedded Metal Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic toolboxes are prone to structural weakness and fragility 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 plastic flanges with a locking assembly that includes positioning members and locking units, providing enhanced structural strength and light weight, while using plastic for the flanges to maintain durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If locking members, hinges and connecting elements are attached to a plastic toolbox, then the toolbox can perform locking and connecting functions, but the structural strength of the toolbox is weakened and it becomes fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The toolbox frame uses composite construction with metal reinforcement bars embedded in plastic material. The metal bars provide high strength and rigidity, while the plastic material provides formability and corrosion resistance. This composite structure enables the toolbox to maintain structural strength while incorporating locking members, hinges and connecting elements without causing deformation or breakage.
2Ease of manufacture
If a plastic toolbox is used, then the toolbox has good formability and corrosion resistance, but the structural strength is weak and service life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials where metal reinforcement bars are embedded within the plastic toolbox frame. The plastic material maintains its advantages of formability and corrosion resistance, while the metal bars significantly enhance structural strength and durability, thereby extending the service life of the toolbox.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal reinforcement bars are strategically positioned at key structural locations within the toolbox frame where strength is most needed, such as at corners, along edges, and at attachment points for locking members and hinges. This localized reinforcement provides maximum structural support while minimizing material usage and maintaining the plastic material's corrosion resistance throughout.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A toolbox is provided, including a main body (1), a lid (2) and at least on locking assembly (4). The main body (1) has a first flange (17) and a first frame (18). The first frame (18) is disposed on the first flange (17). The cover has a second flange (21) and a second frame (22). The second frame (22) is disposed on the second flange (21). At least one tray or drawer (16) is disposed in the main body (1). The at least one locking assembly (4) has a first locking unit (41), a second locking unit (42), first positioning members (43) and second positioning members (44). The first locking unit (41) is positioned on the first frame (18) by the first positioning members (43). The second locking unit (42) is positioned on the second frame (22) by the second positioning members (44). Each first positioning member (43) is disposed through two side of the first flange (17). Each second positioning member is disposed through two sides of the second flange (21).