Front-Opening Flexible Container for Hanging Access and Carry Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing cubes are limited in versatility and efficiency, requiring unpacking when removed from suitcases and lacking robust suspension and conversion features.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container with a front opening and elongate closure member, reinforced with a spinal member and straps, allowing for modular packing, easy access, and conversion to a carry-bag, featuring a G-hook for hanging and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional packing cube with zip closure is used, then items can be stored and organized, but the cube requires unpacking when removed from the suitcase and lacks robust suspension features
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with multiple functional features including a front opening for easy access, an elongate closure member for secure closing, a spinal member for suspension, and straps for conversion to a carry-bag. This multi-functionality allows a single container to serve as both a packing cube and a carry-bag, eliminating the need for separate items and resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates dynamic elements such as the elongate closure member that can be opened and closed, the spinal member that enables suspension, and the straps that can be attached or detached to convert the container into a carry-bag. These dynamic features allow the container to adapt between different usage modes, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple separate items.
2Ease of operation
If a packing cube is designed with a lid and zip closure, then items are secure inside, but access to contents requires unpacking and the cube cannot be easily converted to a carry-bag
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into distinct functional components: a front opening for access, an elongate closure member for securing, a spinal member for suspension, and straps for carry-bag conversion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy access and conversion capability without compromising the security of items stored inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides secure closure while allowing easy access when opened. The spinal member and straps serve as intermediary elements that enable conversion to a carry-bag configuration. These intermediary components facilitate the transition between different usage modes while maintaining item security.
3Productivity
If multiple packing cubes of various sizes are used to efficiently use space, then organization is improved, but the complexity of managing and converting multiple cubes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates universal features such as the elongate closure member, spinal member, and straps that can be used across different container sizes. This standardization of key features simplifies management by reducing the variety of components needed, while still allowing efficient use of space through different size options.
Solution Approach 2:
The container can be configured in different size parameters while maintaining the same core functional features. The spinal member and straps can be adjusted or positioned differently to accommodate various container sizes, allowing efficient packing while simplifying management through feature standardization rather than complete design variation.
Data Source
AI summary
A container (10, 100) manufactured from flexible material comprises a body (12) extending from a base (14). The body (14) defines an interior space configured to contain one or more objects and is configurable between an extended configuration and a folded configuration. The body includes a front opening, which includes an elongate closure member (16) extending from a point proximate an uppermost edge (18) of the body in the extended configuration to a point proximate the base (14). The closure member (18) bridges two side portions (26) of the body (16) such that when the closure member (18) is at least partially open the two side portions (26) are displaceable relative to each other, towards a rear wall (20), to provide access to inside the body and any contents contained therein.