Interlocking Suitcase Assembly with Cylindrical Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suitcases are inconvenient for carrying multiple suitcases simultaneously and tend to slide uncontrollably, making them difficult to store and maneuver.
Innovation Solution
A suitcase design featuring a cuboid case body with cylindrical and tubular projections and sidewalls that allow for interlocking with other suitcases, combined with a draw bar for easier handling, enabling multiple suitcases to be connected and carried as a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional suitcases are designed with fixed wheels and simple structure, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but the ability to carry multiple suitcases simultaneously and storage stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The suitcase is divided into modular components: a case body with cylindrical projections on the rear portion, wheel assemblies with corresponding engagement features, and draw bars with articulation points. These segmented elements can independently engage with each other to form stable configurations when carrying multiple suitcases, while each component remains simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical projections on the case body serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement, enable engagement with wheel assemblies for stable rolling, and allow connection with draw bars for manual carrying. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate features for each function, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional suitcases have simple wheel attachment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but stability when moving multiple suitcases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into a base, wheel, and engagement feature (cylindrical projection or tubular projection). This segmentation allows the wheel to be attached to the case body through simple engagement of corresponding features, maintaining manufacturing ease while creating a stable connection that prevents unwanted movement when multiple suitcases are carried.
3Device complexity
If conventional suitcases lack interlocking features, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to store and organize multiple suitcases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking system is segmented into discrete engagement features: cylindrical projections on case bodies, corresponding tubular projections on wheel assemblies and draw bars, and sidewalls with spaces. These simple geometric segments interlock to create stable stored configurations without requiring complex mechanisms, maintaining low device complexity while achieving high storage adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional suitcases have fixed draw bar configuration, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation when carrying multiple suitcases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The draw bar incorporates an articulation point that allows it to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the case body. This dynamic configuration enables the draw bar to adapt to different carrying scenarios (single suitcase vs. multiple suitcases) while maintaining a simple two-segment structure that is easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a suitcase, including a case body and a plurality of wheel assemblies. The case body has a cuboid shape and includes a front portion, a rear portion, a plurality of top cylindrical projections, at least one bottom tubular projection, and four sidewalls. The rear portion is connected to the front portion. The top cylindrical projections are on the rear portion and protrude outwardly. The bottom tubular projection is on the rear portion and protrudes outwardly in the opposite direction of the top cylindrical projections. The sidewalls surround the bottom tubular projection. There is a space between the bottom tubular projection and the sidewalls. The wheel assemblies are connected to the case body by closely engaged the wheel assemblies to the top cylindrical projections, or by closely engaged the wheel assemblies in the space.