Expandable Luggage with Foldable Cover for Progressive Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luggage with expandable storage volume does not allow users to adjust volume according to needs during transport and lacks easy, progressive access to contents without laying the luggage flat, risking damage or object displacement.
Innovation Solution
A luggage design featuring two half-shells with sliding mechanisms and a bellows structure, allowing volume adjustment and progressive access through a foldable cover with zippers or Velcro, enabling easy access and protection of wheels during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is opened in its entirety to access contents, then the user can access all objects, but the luggage must be laid flat which risks object displacement and makes transport difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple movable panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be independently opened. This segmentation allows users to access only the required portion of the luggage contents without opening the entire cover, preventing object displacement while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panels are designed to be dynamically movable rather than fixed. The panels can be opened to different extents and positions, allowing flexible access to contents at any stage during transport, eliminating the need to lay the luggage flat while accessing all contents.
2Volume of moving object
If the luggage is kept in a retracted state during transport, then it occupies less space, but the user cannot access contents easily without laying it flat
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple panels that can be opened independently. This allows users to access contents in the retracted state without needing to expand the luggage or lay it flat, as only the necessary panel needs to be opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic panel system allows the cover to be opened to any extent during transport. Users can access contents at any stage of the journey without compromising the compact retracted volume, as the panels provide flexible access points.
3Device complexity
If the wheels are exposed during transport, then the luggage structure is simpler, but the wheels are at risk of damage when placed on receiving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cover panels serve multiple functions: they provide access to contents and simultaneously protect the wheels when folded down over them. This multi-functionality adds wheel protection capability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panels are dynamically positioned to protect the wheels during transport and storage. When not needed for content access, the panels can be folded down to cover and protect the wheels from damage on receiving surfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~9
Figure 5a~10
AI summary
The present invention relates to luggage, of the type comprising a shell (2) closed by a lid (16), provided with a retractable handle (12a) and two wheels (4), the shell being provided with at least one (2b) unfoldable by sliding so as to increase its storage volume. This piece of luggage is characterized in that the cover (16) forms a foldable sheet able to fold around transverse hinge zones (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d). (Figure 5)