Luggage Expansion Mechanism for Volume Increase Without Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luggage systems fail to provide new and improved luggage systems that address the new ways in which many people like to travel, in a style they feel most comfortable, while enjoying an unprecedented level of convenience which they naturally welcome.
Innovation Solution
The expansion mechanism includes a rear shell housing portion with a first and second portion, a gusset, and an expansion mechanism with a first and second piece, providing support to the portions and preventing tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rear storage area is expanded by separating the first and second portions, then the interior volume is increased, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rear shell housing is divided into first and second portions that can be separated to expand the storage area. The expansion mechanism includes first and second pieces that can be positioned to provide support when the portions are separated, maintaining structural stability during expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second portions. When the portions are separated for expansion, the expansion mechanism pieces engage with each other to provide intermediate support, preventing structural instability while allowing volume increase.
2Ease of operation
If the expansion mechanism pieces have smooth surfaces for engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the friction needed for stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion mechanism pieces have smooth engagement surfaces in specific locations to facilitate easy sliding and operation. Meanwhile, other portions of the structure maintain sufficient friction and rigidity to provide stability, creating different surface qualities in different locations to satisfy both requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques described herein relate to an expansion mechanism for an article of luggage. The article of luggage may include a rear housing portion defining a rear storage area that can be increased when the expansion mechanism is in an expanded state. A gusset may couple portions of the rear housing portion together and can be slack or taut. A first and second piece of the expansion mechanism may be mounted to the portions of the rear housing portion, respectively. When the pieces of the expansion mechanism separate in an expanded state, the gusset may also expand to a taut state. The rear storage area can be increased when the expansion mechanism is in an expanded state. The expansion mechanism may freely slide from a closed state to an open or expanded state.