Portable Wrench Holder with Coiled Spring and Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wrench holders fail to securely retain wrenches of varying sizes and lengths due to limitations in design, such as requiring substantial rotation of wrenches to disengage from holders or not effectively restricting outward rotation.

Innovation Solution

A portable wrench holder featuring a coiled spring integrated within a frame that securely holds wrench handles between its coils, with the frame's design allowing for angled sides and a strap for attachment, ensuring the open jaws of wrenches engage the frame to restrict rotation and accommodate wrenches of different sizes and lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a coiled spring is used to hold wrench handles, then wrenches of varying sizes and lengths can be accommodated, but the wrenches can still rotate outward and are not securely retained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of wrenches of varying sizes and lengthsVSAvoidsecure retention of wrenches

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coiled spring with a restraining bar and upstanding slotted holding member to create a composite retention system. The spring provides adaptability for different wrench sizes while the restraining bar and holding member work together to prevent outward rotation and secure retention, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism uses a composite structure combining flexible spring elements with rigid restraining and holding components. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously accommodate varying wrench dimensions while providing firm restraint against unwanted rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a restraining bar and upstanding slotted holding member are used, then outward rotation is restricted, but wrenches must be rotated through a substantial portion of a 90 degree arc to disengage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestriction of outward rotationVSAvoidease of wrench disengagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic elements including a movable restraining bar and spring-loaded holding member that can shift position. This allows the system to provide firm restraint during normal use while enabling easier disengagement when needed, reducing the rotation arc required compared to fixed rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention parameters of the system are made variable through the spring mechanism and movable components. The restraining force can be adjusted by changing the compression state of the spring, allowing for both secure retention during work and easier release during disengagement, thereby reducing the operational arc needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a holder is hinged to the base member, then wrenches can be retained in the spring, but the holder structure increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention of wrenches in springVSAvoidhinged holder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the retention function from a complex hinged holder structure and implements it through a simpler integrated system where the spring, restraining bar, and holding member work together as a unified mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate hinged components while maintaining reliable wrench retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring and holding member structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary retention force, guides the wrench insertion, and works with the restraining bar to prevent rotation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hinged holder components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 wrench holder effectively secures wrenches of varying thicknesses and lengths, allowing for easy access and organization, and can be color-coded for metric or imperial sizes, facilitating user selection and storage.

Implementation Method 1

a coiled spring which receives the handles of the wrenches between its coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second side of the frame engages the open jaws of the wrenches when the handles of the wrenches are received between the coils of the spring to restrict outward rotation of the wrenches relative to the wrench holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9936794B2Portable wrench holder

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 RENNIE WILLIAM

AI summary

A wrench holder for holding and carrying a set of wrenches, each wrench having an elongated handle and an open jaw extending from the handle, comprises a frame having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. There is a spring coiled about the first side of the frame. The spring has coils which receive the handles of the wrenches. The second side of the frame engages the open jaws of the wrenches when the handles of the wrenches are received between the coils of the spring to restrict outward rotation of the wrenches relative to the wrench holder.