Collapsible Travel Case Hinge Assembly for Bicycle Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Travel cases for large objects, such as bicycles, are often cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in crowded spaces, and when too large for home storage, they occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible case design featuring a base with two movably coupled portions and a frame assembly that can be folded and extended for storage or use, utilizing a hinge assembly, fasteners, and a central slider to secure the base in open or closed configurations, allowing the case to expand for object storage and collapse for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the case is made large to accommodate large objects like bicycles, then the storage capacity is improved, but the ease of maneuvering in crowded spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed with a collapsible structure that allows it to dynamically change its volume between an expanded state for storing large objects and a collapsed state for easy maneuvering and storage. The base portions can be folded relative to each other, and the frame assembly can be disassembled or compressed, enabling the case to adapt its size to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is divided into separable components including a base withmovably coupled portions, a frame assembly with multiple parts, and a removable upper. This segmentation allows the case to be collapsed by folding the base portions together and disassembling the frame, reducing its overall volume for maneuvering while maintaining full storage capacity when assembled.
2Volume of moving object
If the case is made large to store large objects, then the storage capacity is improved, but the space occupied in dwellings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible design enables the case to transition between a large expanded volume for storage and a compact collapsed volume for dwelling storage. When not in use, the base portions are folded together and the frame assembly is disassembled, allowing the case to fit into small spaces like closets or under beds, eliminating the need for dedicated large storage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly components are designed to nest within the base compartments when collapsed. The extrusions and frame parts can be stored inside the base portions, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes the space occupied in dwellings while maintaining full functionality when expanded.
3Strength
If the case structure is made rigid to protect objects, then the protection capability is improved, but the collapsibility for compact storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case uses a segmented frame assembly with multiple connectable components rather than a single rigid structure. This allows the frame to provide structural strength when assembled for protection while enabling easy disassembly and collapse for compact storage. The base portions with compartments also allow selective rigid support where needed while maintaining overall collapsibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Collapsible travel cases are provided herein. In some aspects, the collapsible travel case is configured to store a bicycle when the collapsible case is in an expanded configuration. In some aspects, the collapsible travel case comprises a base that is configured to fold at a joint via a hinge assembly.