Softside Luggage Frame Structure with Cross Braces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional softside luggage frame structures often add unnecessary weight and lack sufficient rigidity, leading to undesirable deformation when lifting the luggage case from a carry handle.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure for softside luggage featuring a split top pan assembly with structural members and cross braces, along with a carry handle attached to the braces, and additional panel frames that include structural elements and braces to enhance rigidity and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid or one-piece top and bottom pan assemblies are used, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and design options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The top pan assembly is divided into multiple components: a top pan, a bottom pan, and a frame structure with vertical members and cross braces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength-to-weight ratio, eliminating the need for heavy solid one-piece construction while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional frame structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but rigidity is insufficient causing deformation when lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates vertical members extending between the top and bottom pans, and cross braces connecting these vertical members, creating a three-dimensional rigid framework. This multi-dimensional bracing system prevents deformation when lifting by distributing forces throughout the structure, while still using simple extruded or molded components for ease of manufacture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cross braces are added to the frame structure, then rigidity and resistance to deformation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: the vertical members provide structural support and attachment points for the carry handle, while the cross braces simultaneously bracing the vertical members against deformation and defining the lateral dimensions of the luggage case. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, keeping the overall design relatively simple despite the enhanced rigidity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A softside luggage article (100) is provided. The luggage article may include a first panel, a frame supporting the first panel, and a carry handle. The frame may include a first structural member extending along a first edge of the first panel, a second structural member extending along a second edge of the first panel, and two or more cross braces connected to and extending between the first and second structural members. The carry handle may include opposing first and second end portions. Each end portion of the carry handle may be coupled to one of the two or more cross braces