Expandable Rucksack Base with Nested Zip Fastener Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bag and rucksack enlargement systems are inflexible, with exposed zip fasteners prone to damage and aesthetic issues, and require laborious multi-step volume adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A bag or rucksack design featuring a base part with separable connection elements and a flexible wall element that can be expanded in two steps, with additional parts attachable via connection elements, protecting the zip fastener and allowing for adjustable packing volume through compression straps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If an additional volume is attached to a basic bag via a connecting zip fastener, then the packing volume can be enlarged, but the zip fastener remains exposed and prone to damage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking volumeVSAvoidzip fastener protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting zip fastener is nested within a pocket formed by the wall element, which is arranged between the first and second connection elements. This nested structure protects the zip fastener from external influences while maintaining the volume enlargement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall element acts as an intermediary structure that houses the connecting zip fastener within a pocket, thereby protecting it from damage and contamination while still allowing the additional volume to be attached when the fastener is accessed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a cover is provided to protect the connecting zip fastener, then the zip fastener is protected, but the user must perform laborious multi-step operations to change the volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezip fastener protectionVSAvoidvolume adjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function and the volume adjustment function are merged into a single operation. The wall element with its pocket structure provides protection while allowing direct access to the zip fastener, eliminating the need for separate cover removal and attachment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover concept is extracted and replaced by integrating the protection function directly into the wall element structure itself, which forms a pocket that houses the zip fastener without requiring a separate removable cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If the packing volume is enlarged by unfolding a previously folded wall region, then the volume can be increased, but there is only one possibility for enlarging the volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking volumeVSAvoidvolume enlargement options

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The volume enlargement function is segmented into multiple independent options: (1) separating the first and second connection elements to expand the wall element, and (2) attaching an additional part via additional connection elements. This segmentation provides versatile volume adjustment options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic volume adjustment through multiple configurable states: the wall element can be folded or expanded, and the additional part can be attached or detached, allowing flexible adaptation to different packing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If the wall element is arranged in the first packing volume, then the connection elements can be connected, but the packing volume cannot be flexibly adjusted to different requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking volumeVSAvoidpacking volume flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements are segmented into main connection elements (first and second) and additional connection elements, allowing multiple configuration options for volume adjustment while maintaining the wall element's protective arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection elements serve multiple functions: they connect the wall element to form the base packing volume, and additional connection elements enable attachment of extra parts. This multi-functionality provides flexible volume adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11617430B2Bag or rucksack

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 ADVENATE GMBH

AI summary

A bag or a rucksack has a base part having an enlargeable packing volume and first and second connection elements, between which a flexible wall element is arranged. A first packing volume is formed when the first and second connection elements are connected and the wall element is arranged in the first packing volume at least in part, and an expanded packing volume is formed when the first and second connection elements are separated. An additional part is provided which has an additional packing volume, and a first additional connection element is provided on the wall element and a second additional connection element is provided on the additional part. The additional part can be fastened to the base part by means of the additional connection elements.