Luggage Frame Floating in Fabric Pocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional luggage case frame structures are often fixed to the case using visible stitching or attachments, adding weight and limiting design aesthetics, while also requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure that 'floats' within a pocket defined by the fabric panel, providing structural support without being fixedly attached, allowing for a lightweight and aesthetically flexible luggage design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame structure is fixed to the luggage case using stitching or visible attachments, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight increases and aesthetic design is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frame from the exterior of the luggage case and places it entirely within internal pockets of the fabric panels. This extraction eliminates visible attachments and reduces weight while maintaining structural support through the internal frame-pocket configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are nested within fabric pockets that are part of the luggage case structure. The pockets contain the frames while being integrated into the fabric panels, creating a nested configuration that provides structural support without external visible elements.
2Strength
If the frame structure is fixed using stitching or visible bindings, then the structural support is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame attachment function with the fabric panel construction by integrating pockets directly into the panels during manufacturing. This consolidation eliminates separate attachment steps and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is securely fixed using traditional methods, then the structural stability is improved, but the aesthetic design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the frame from external visibility and placing it entirely within internal pockets, the patent eliminates visible attachments that would compromise aesthetic design, while maintaining structural stability through the internal frame-pocket configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the structure: the internal frames provide structural stability, while the external fabric surfaces provide aesthetic flexibility. This local differentiation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
4Reliability
If additional fixation elements are used to secure the frame, then the frame retention is improved, but the weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric pockets are designed to inherently retain the frame members through their construction and tensioning arrangement, eliminating the need for additional fixation elements. The pockets self-service the retention function that would otherwise require separate fastening components.
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
This solution simplifies manufacturing, reduces weight, and enhances design flexibility by eliminating visible attachments, while maintaining structural integrity through tensioning of the fabric panel.
Implementation Method 1
the frame is received within the pocket unattached to the fabric panel and outwardly biased against the inner periphery of the pocket
Implementation Method 2
the frame may tension the fabric of the pocket
Data Source
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AI summary
A panel frame structure for a luggage article (100) is provided. The luggage article (100) may include a fabric panel (140) having an outer periphery (210) and a pocket (212) having edges defining an inner periphery (218) defined inwardly from the outer periphery (210), and a frame (178) defining a closed loop corresponding at least partially to the outer periphery (210) of the fabric panel (140). The frame (178) may be received within the pocket (212) unattached to the fabric panel (140) and outwardly biased against the inner periphery (218) of the pocket (212).