Expandable Luggage Controller Mechanism for Zipper Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional expandable luggage is cumbersome due to the long distance the zipper needs to travel when expanding or contracting, making it troublesome for users to easily adjust the size.

Innovation Solution

An expandable luggage design featuring a controller with a latch member and unlocking device that allows the first case member to be easily moved between a closed and open position, using a hook and stop portion mechanism to securely engage and disengage, facilitating easy expansion and contraction without the need for extensive zipper travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a zipper extends around the entire luggage to enable expansion, then the luggage can change size, but the zipper travel distance becomes excessively long making operation troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluggage size adjustmentVSAvoidzipper operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the continuous zipper system into separate segments: a first zipper on the first case member and a second zipper on the second case member. These zippers are positioned to engage with each other, creating a discontinuous fastening system that reduces the travel distance required for expansion and contraction operations while maintaining the ability to adjust luggage size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the zipper extends around the entire luggage, then the chamber can be fully expanded, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamber volumeVSAvoidzipper system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous zipper is segmented into two separate zippers positioned on opposite case members. This segmentation simplifies the overall zipper system structure by eliminating the need for a single long zipper to traverse the entire perimeter, thereby reducing structural complexity while preserving full expansion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The zippers act as intermediary elements that engage with each other between the first and second case members. This intermediary arrangement allows the zippers to work in conjunction rather than as a single continuous element, simplifying the overall system while enabling complete chamber expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20190183218A1Expandable luggage

Publication Date: 2019.06.20 LAI(TW)

AI summary

An expandable luggage includes a first case member, a second case member, and a flexible member with opposite ends connected to the first and the second case members to form a chamber. The expandable luggage further includes a controller, which has a first member fixed to the first case member, a second member fixed to the second case member. The first member is movably connected to the second member to be moved between a first position and a second position. The first member is engaged with the second member when the first member is moved to the first position. The chamber is narrowed when the first case member is moved toward the second case member, and the controller is locked automatically. The controller further includes an unlocking device to be operated to disengage first member with the second member if the chamber is expanded.