Convertible Bag Hinge Mechanism for Stable Cricket Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cricket equipment transport bags are not ergonomically designed for relaxed back transport due to the need to accommodate a base, which requires significant bag dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A transport bag with two structural panels that can be transformed from a portage configuration into a stable configuration, allowing it to serve as a cricket base without the need for additional accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bag is designed to carry a cricket base, then the base can be transported, but the bag size becomes large and uncomfortable for back carrying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase carrying capabilityVSAvoidbag size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bag is designed to perform multiple functions: it can carry cricket equipment in its portable configuration and transform into a stable base structure when needed. The rear panel with hinge mechanism serves both as a carrying component and as a support structure that can be deployed to form a stable base, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated base-carrying bag.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The bag incorporates dynamic elements including a hinge mechanism that allows the rear panel to transition between different configurations. The panel can be folded at various angles to adapt between a compact carrying state and an extended stable base state, enabling the bag to dynamically adjust its form based on functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bag is made larger to accommodate a base, then base transport is enabled, but ergonomic comfort for back carrying deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase transport capabilityVSAvoidback carrying comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bag is segmented into distinct functional panels including a front panel, rear panel, and bottom panel that can be independently positioned. The rear panel is further divided into sections connected by hinges, allowing selective deployment of the base-supporting portions while keeping the carrying portion compact and ergonomic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bag transitions from a static carrying bag to a dynamic structure that can be reconfigured. The hinge mechanism enables the rear panel to be deployed at specific angles to create a stable base while maintaining a compact form for comfortable carrying, adapting the bag's configuration to the immediate functional need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bag transforms from carrying configuration to stable configuration, then it forms a cricket base, but the transformation mechanism adds structural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration transformation capabilityVSAvoidtransformation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transformation mechanism utilizes simple hinge joints that allow panels to be folded and locked into different configurations. The hinge system provides inherent mechanical advantage, allowing the panel to be easily positioned at different angles without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple fastening points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bag panels are designed with flexible yet structurally sufficient materials that can be easily folded and positioned. The panels maintain their shape when deployed to form the stable base while remaining flexible enough to be conveniently stored in the compact carrying configuration, reducing the need for rigid structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Stability of the object's composition

If the lower panel is placed in abutment on support, then the bag becomes stably erected, but the panel must be inclined which requires foldable hinge mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase stabilityVSAvoidhinge mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism enables the rear panel to be dynamically positioned at an inclined angle relative to the front panel, allowing the lower panel to rest stably on the ground support. The hinge provides the necessary degrees of freedom for the panel to achieve the optimal inclination angle for stability while maintaining a simple mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism is integrated directly into the panel construction, merging the connection function with the structural element itself. This eliminates the need for separate external hinges or complex joining mechanisms, as the hinge is built into the panel assembly during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4548800A1Bag convertible into a stable play base
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 DECATHLON SA
  • EP4548800A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4548800A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4548800A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a bag formed of two structural panels, respectively front (5) and rear (6), having first means (7) for reversible association in a configuration forming between them a shell delimiting an internal carrying compartment, the rear panel (6) having two sides, respectively upper (6s) and lower (6i), which are connected by a folding hinge (13) arranged to allow the relative arrangement of said sides between an aligned position for forming the shell and an inclined position, the upper side (6s) and the front panel (5) having second means (14) for reversible association in a configuration in which the sides (6s, 6i) are held in an inclined position with the front panel (5) in an upright position, the inclined lower side (6i) being arranged to be able to rest on a support in order to transform the bag (1) into a front panel (5) which is stably upright on said support.