Luggage Bottom Structure Interlocking Pan Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional luggage case frame structures often add unnecessary weight and lack sufficient rigidity, leading to undesirable deformation when towed.

Innovation Solution

A split bottom pan assembly with interlocking first and second pan members, held together by a closure mechanism, and bracing assemblies that provide vertical rigidity and allow selective opening of the case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a one-piece bottom pan assembly is used, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases and design flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidluggage case weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom pan assembly is divided into first and second pan members that can be selectively connected together. This segmentation allows the structure to provide full structural integrity when connected while enabling weight reduction through selective disconnection during storage or when not needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If frame structures are added to provide rigidity, then resistance to deformation is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to deformationVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracing assemblies are integrated with the split bottom pan assembly and closure mechanism, combining multiple functions into a unified structure. This merging provides the necessary rigidity and deformation resistance without adding separate, complex frame structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Weight of moving object

If a split bottom pan assembly is used, then weight is reduced and design flexibility is improved, but structural rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluggage case weightVSAvoidbottom pan rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking edges are pre-configured on the first and second pan members to automatically engage and provide structural rigidity when the pan members are connected. This preliminary configuration ensures that rigidity is established as part of the assembly process rather than requiring additional reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If bracing assemblies are added to span the split line, then structural support is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidcase opening operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracing assemblies are designed to be selectively engaged and disengaged along the split line. This dynamic configuration allows the bracing to provide structural support when needed while being easily disengaged to allow selective opening of the case halves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3590381B1A luggage article comprising bottom structure

Publication Date: 2022.08.03 SAMSONITE IP HLDG SARL

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AI summary

A bottom structure for a luggage article (100) is provided. The luggage article may include first and second halves (150, 152) hingedly connected together at a split line (160), a closure mechanism (210) releasably securing the first and second halves together, and a split bottom pan assembly (270) including first and second pan members (280, 282) supporting respective bottom panel portions (330, 332) of the first and second halves. The closure mechanism may releasably secure the first and second halves together in a closed configuration along at least a portion of the split line. Each of the first and second pan members may include a connecting edge (340, 341). The connecting edges of the first and second pan members may engage and interlock together at the split line when the luggage article is in the closed configuration to form a solid bottom structure.