Expandable Carrying Case with Tray for Sink Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carrying cases are often too large for travel and lack easy access and stability when used in limited spaces, such as bathroom sinks, risking items from falling into the drain.

Innovation Solution

A carrying case design featuring a first and second storage unit that can move from a stowed to an extended position, with a tray extending between them, allowing for compact transport and providing a stable surface for contents when in use, preventing items from falling into a sink.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the carrying case is designed to be compact for travel, then it can be easily packed in luggage, but it may lack sufficient space for organizing and accessing contents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying case sizeVSAvoidaccess to contents

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying case is divided into multiple expandable sections with independent storage units. The intermediate section can be selectively extended to create additional space, allowing the case to transition between compact and expanded states based on travel needs while maintaining organized access to contents in each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrying case incorporates expandable sides and adjustable compartments that can dynamically change volume. The intermediate section between first and second storage units can be extended or collapsed, enabling the case to adapt its size and configuration for both compact transport and spacious organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the carrying case is used in limited spaces like bathroom sinks, then it is convenient for travel, but items may easily fall into the drain

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiditem security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A tray extends across the gap between storage units to provide a stable intermediate surface for placing items during use. This mediator prevents items from sliding off edges or falling into drains while maintaining the compact portable design, creating a secure platform in limited spaces like bathroom sinks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If the carrying case has multiple storage units for organization, then it can store more items, but it increases the overall size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidcarrying case size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple storage units are nested within each other or arranged in overlapping configurations. The first, second, and third storage units can be positioned to overlap or nest, maximizing storage capacity within a minimized external footprint, allowing more items to be stored without proportionally increasing overall case size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9918533B2Carrying case

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 PB PRODUCT LLC

AI summary

A carrying case includes a first storage unit and a second storage unit. The second storage unit is moveable away from the first storage unit from a stowed position to an extended position to define a gap between the first storage unit and the second storage unit in the extended position. A tray extends across the gap from the first storage unit to the second storage unit. At least a portion of the tray is disposed in the second storage unit in the stowed position and extends along the gap in the extended position. Contents of the first storage unit and/or the second storage unit may be removed from the storage unit and supported on the tray during use of the contents.