Collapsible Luggage With Folding Bottom Board

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current luggage designs lack improvements in being collapsible, convenient, sturdy, long-lasting, durable, versatile, and inexpensive to manufacture, while also utilizing inefficient components and structures, particularly in collapsible and travel-specific designs.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible luggage apparatus featuring a frame member with a folding bottom board and transverse base that collapses to reduce volume, combined with a frame that expands for increased interior space, allowing for easy use as a carry-on or backpack with wheels, and incorporating a telescoping handle and adjustable shoulder straps for versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the luggage is designed to be collapsible to save space during shipping and storage, then the volume is reduced, but the structural strength and durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevolumeVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom panel is segmented into a fixed portion and a folding portion that can be divided into multiple sections. This segmentation allows the bottom panel to collapse into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use, as each segment can fold independently without compromising the overall strength of the luggage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom panel incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic transformation between an extended state (providing structural support and strength during use) and a collapsed state (reducing volume for storage). The hinge allows the folding portion to rotate relative to the fixed portion, enabling the bottom panel to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the luggage incorporates multiple features such as wheels, telescoping handle, and backpack straps for versatility, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The luggage is designed with multiple transport modes including wheels for rolling, a telescoping handle for pulling, and adjustable shoulder straps for carrying as a backpack. This multi-functionality allows a single luggage unit to serve multiple purposes and adapt to different user preferences and travel scenarios, maximizing versatility without requiring multiple separate products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple transport mechanisms (wheels, handle, straps) are merged into a single integrated luggage structure. The frame members serve both structural support functions and attachment points for various transport features, consolidating multiple functions into unified components rather than separate attached elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the folding bottom board is designed to collapse toward the back panel, then the volume is reduced for storage, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevolumeVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom panel is divided into a fixed portion and a folding portion connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows each portion to be manufactured separately with standard tolerances, and the hinge connection provides natural alignment features that reduce the need for high-precision manufacturing. The folding portion can be produced using conventional fabrication methods without requiring tight tolerance control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge acts as an intermediary element between the fixed portion and the folding portion of the bottom panel. It provides a standardized connection interface that accommodates manufacturing variations while ensuring proper functionality. The hinge mechanism absorbs dimensional tolerances and alignment variations, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements for the assembled bottom panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3942963B1Collapsible luggage
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 OSPREY PACKS INC
  • EP3942963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3942963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3942963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Luggage or apparatus for carrying items where a frame member collapses to allow the front to collapse toward the back to reduce the volume of the apparatus for shipping or storage. The frame member may extend: across the left side, along the bottom, from the left side to the right side, across the right side, from the back to the front, or a combination thereof. The bottom may include a folding bottom board attached with a fabric hinge. Shoulder straps may be stored in a front compartment to carry the apparatus as a backpack.