Luggage Frame with Displacement-Resisting Braces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articles of luggage, such as suitcases, are prone to premature failure when used as seats due to their lightweight design, which cannot support user weight without exceeding airline weight limits.
Innovation Solution
An article of luggage with a resilient frame and braces that resist displacement when used as a seat, featuring a tubular or channel-shaped brace for added rigidity without significant weight increase, and a fabric cover with reinforcing loops for enhanced support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the article of luggage is designed to be lightweight to maximize content weight capacity, then the weight limit for contents is improved, but the structural strength to support user weight when used as a seat deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame combines a resilient plastic material providing lightweight flexibility with rigid braces (metal or rigid plastic) providing structural strength. This composite construction allows the frame to remain lightweight while the integrated braces provide the necessary strength to support user weight when the luggage is used as a seat, resolving the contradiction between lightweight design and structural strength.
2Strength
If braces are added to the frame to prevent displacement when used as a seat, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight of the article increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire frame heavier, braces are strategically positioned only where needed to resist displacement when used as a seat. The braces are localized structural reinforcements rather than a complete frame redesign, providing necessary strength only in critical areas while maintaining overall lightweight construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into the resilient base structure and separate brace components. This allows the main frame to remain lightweight and flexible, while discrete braces are added only where structural support is needed, preventing unnecessary weight increase throughout the entire structure.
3Reliability
If the resilient frame is made as an endless band for continuity, then the durability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed as an endless band with specific geometric parameters that allow it to be molded in one continuous piece. By optimizing the cross-sectional shape and thickness parameters of the endless band, the frame achieves both durability from continuous construction and ease of manufacture through standard molding processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for increased volume capacity while maintaining a lightweight design, preventing premature failure when used as a seat and supporting user weight without exceeding airline weight limits.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient frame that defines top, bottom and side portions of the article... configured to resist displacement of the top portion of the article towards the bottom portion when the article rests on its bottom portion and a user sits on the top portion
Data Source
AI summary
An article of luggage suitable for use as a seat has a resilient frame that defines top, bottom and side portions of the article, and a brace coupled to the frame and configured to resist displacement of the top portion of the article towards the bottom portion when the article rests on its bottom portion and a user sits on the top portion. Also a method of manufacturing such an article of luggage.