Luggage Expansion Bracket With Lever Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable luggage lacks rigidity when expanded due to inadequate linking of separate rigid frame components, failing to provide a sturdy and easily adjustable solution for varying luggage space needs.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly for expandable luggage featuring a base with slots and recesses, sliding members with protrusions and pegs, and a lever that allows for rotational and translational movement, enabling the luggage to expand and retract while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If expandable luggage uses separate rigid frame components that move away from each other when expanded, then the luggage volume increases, but the rigidity and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a base portion attached to one frame component, a sliding portion attached to the other frame component, and a coupling mechanism with slots and protrusions. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity during expansion and retraction
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a sliding mechanism that moves along guided slots, a lever that rotates between locked and unlocked positions, and stopping pegs that engage at specific positions. This dynamic design enables the bracket to transition smoothly between expanded and retracted states while maintaining rigidity in each state
2Strength
If expandable luggage uses a complex linking mechanism to maintain rigidity, then the structural integrity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the base provides mounting attachment, the sliding portion provides movement along slots, the lever provides locking and unlocking actions, and the stopping pegs provide positional limits. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly employs self-latching mechanisms where the lever automatically engages with recesses to lock the luggage in expanded or retracted positions, and the stopping pegs automatically prevent over-rotation. This self-service design eliminates the need for additional actuators or control systems
3Strength
If expandable luggage uses a rigid linking mechanism, then the rigidity is maintained, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly uses a dynamic lever mechanism that can be easily rotated between locked and unlocked positions by the user. The lever's movement is guided by the slots and stopping pegs, providing tactile feedback and requiring minimal force to operate while maintaining rigid connections when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding portion acts as an intermediary element between the base and the lever, allowing smooth translational movement along the slots. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the user's manual operation of the lever and the rigid connection requirements of the frame components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
A bracket assembly (50) for mounting to a piece of expandable luggage has a base (110), first and second sliding members (112, 114), and a lever (130). The base has slots (116, 118), and a plurality of recesses are (124, 126, 128) located between the slots and have a substantially flat sidewall (152). When the lever is in a locked position, a coupling portion (139) is positioned at least partially within one of the recesses, and the notch (138) engages the sidewall (152) preventing the lever and sliding members from moving parallel with the slot. When the lever is in an unlocked position, stopping pegs (133, 134) prevent the lever from rotating more than 180 degrees relative to the locked position, and the lever (130) and sliding members (112, 114) are free to move relative to the base (110) and translationally parallel with the slots. The lever and sliding members are moveable to and from a plurality of expansion positions.