Carrying case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carrying cases for collapsible chairs and tents face difficulties in loading and unloading due to their irregular shapes, as they lack a structural element to ease insertion and often do not provide a foot recess or flange for stability during the process.

Innovation Solution

A carrying case with a rigid collar and flexible sidewall, featuring a tapered collar for guiding equipment and a foot recess or flange for stability, allowing for easier loading and compact storage of folded or collapsed items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the carrying case is made rigid for stability, then it provides structural support, but it cannot be compactly stored when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sidewall transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. When needed, the sidewall extends to provide stability and structural support; when not needed, it collapses to minimize storage space, resolving the contradiction between stability and compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible sidewall can be nested within the collar structure when collapsed, similar to nested dolls. This allows the carrying case to compact to a minimal size for storage while maintaining full structural capability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the carrying case lacks a foot recess or flange, then the structure is simpler, but the user cannot apply pressure to assist with insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidloading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The foot recess or flange enables the user to apply their own body weight and force to the carrying case during loading and unloading operations. This self-service mechanism allows the user to generate the necessary force for insertion and removal without requiring additional mechanical assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the collar has a uniform diameter, then it is easier to manufacture, but it does not provide tapered guidance for inserting equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollar fabricationVSAvoidguidance during insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collar transitions from a uniform structure to one with varying diameter along its length. This local variation in geometry provides the necessary tapered guidance for insertion while remaining manufacturable through standard forming processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10806236B2Carrying case

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 KIES DANIEL

AI summary

A carrying case for storing folding chairs, tents, and outdoor equipment. The carrying case includes a sidewall between a first end having an opening and a closed second end forming an interior volume. A collar is positioned at the first end and includes a channel that is coaxially aligned with the opening of the first end such that the equipment enters the interior volume through the channel of the collar and the opening. The collar further comprises a distal end having a first diameter that tapers to a smaller second diameter at a proximal end. In a foot recess embodiment, a foot recess forms a compartment on the sidewall that is adapted to receive a foot or toe of a user. In a foot flange embodiment, the carrying case includes a flange that extends about the second end that is adapted to receive a foot or toe of a user.