Wrist-Worn Tool Storage via Tubular Flange Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wristwatches and multi-purpose folding tools are bulky, cumbersome, and lack convenient, safe, and compact storage solutions for multiple tool members, making them inconvenient for everyday use and outdoor activities.
Innovation Solution
A wrist-worn device integrating a watch with multiple tool members that can be moved from a stored to an extended position, featuring a tubular member and flange system within a wristband housing, allowing secure storage and easy access to tools like screwdrivers, scissors, and a bottle opener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple tool members are integrated into a wristwatch housing, then convenient compact storage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple tool members (knife, scissors, screwdrivers, bottle opener) within the hollow interior space of the watch housing. The tools are arranged concentrically around the watch mechanism, with each tool fitting into the available internal volume. This nesting approach enables compact storage of multiple tools within the constrained wristwatch form factor without requiring separate external compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wristwatch housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the watch mechanism for timekeeping, provides storage for multiple tool members, and acts as a protective enclosure. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate items (watch, tool kit, container) into a single integrated device, thereby reducing overall complexity despite the added tool storage capability.
2Volume of moving object
If tool members are stored within the watch housing cavity, then compact storage is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the watch housing into distinct functional zones: a central cavity for the watch mechanism and an outer annular space for tool storage. The housing is divided into multiple compartments and chambers that separately accommodate different tools (knife, scissors, screwdrivers, bottle opener). This segmentation allows each region to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the watch housing are designed with locally optimized properties: the central cavity has precision requirements for mechanism accommodation, while the outer tool storage regions have different dimensional tolerances. The flange and tubular member structures have specific local geometries that facilitate tool insertion and storage without requiring high precision across the entire housing. This localized approach to quality control enables compact storage while managing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If a flange and tubular member system is used for tool storage, then secure storage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flange and tubular member structures into an integrated assembly that forms part of the watch housing. The flange extends from the tubular member to create the outer boundary of the tool storage cavity, and these components work together as a unified structural element rather than separate parts. This merging simplifies the overall device by reducing the number of discrete components while maintaining secure tool storage through the combined geometric constraints of the flange and tubular member geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A wrist-worn, tool and routine activity aiding device comprising, a wristband housing having a front that includes a bottom surface, an outer edge and a sidewall that extends upwards from said bottom surface outer edge, said sidewall having an inner surface, and a defined cavity boundary, a body having a boundary edge and top and bottom surfaces, a means for aiding the wearer in a routine activity of the wearer and that is attached to the body, a tubular member, a flange. The tubular member of the device is mounted to the body boundary edge, wherein the flange interacts with the wristband housing to lock and unlock the tubular member to the housing. Tool members have a configuration to be moved from a stored position to extended position for use, and wherein the tool members in a stored position are located and stored completely within the boundaries of the cavity.