Luggage Framework With Integrated Telescopic Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suitcases, both 'hard' and 'soft', face the challenge of increased empty weight due to additional tubular members for towing handles, which complicates compliance with decreasing airline luggage weight limits, especially in air travel where weight reduction is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A suitcase design featuring a base section with an internal framework of elongate members interconnected by connection pieces, including hollow members for a telescopic towing handle assembly and wheels/rolls, minimizing overall weight while maintaining structural strength, using lightweight materials like fiberglass or plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional tubular members are provided for towing handle facility, then towing handle functionality is improved, but empty weight of suitcase increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the towing handle facility with the existing framework by making the elongate members telescopic, allowing the handle to be formed from the same structural components rather than adding separate tubular members. This integration eliminates redundant components and reduces overall weight while maintaining towing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate members serve multiple functions: they form the framework structure, provide structural strength, and simultaneously function as the telescopic towing handle when extended. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate components, reducing weight.
2Weight of moving object
If telescopic members are integrated into framework, then weight is reduced, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the framework members can be formed from composite materials such as fiberglass or plastics that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. These composite materials maintain structural integrity even when members are made telescopic and lightweight, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the elongate members to change their physical state between extended and retracted positions through telescopic mechanisms. This parameter change enables the same component to serve both structural and handle functions while maintaining strength through proper engineering of the telescopic joints and member dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of luggage, such as a trolley suitcase, comprises a shape defining framework. The article of luggage may comprise a shape defining framework and a towing handle telescopically incorporated into the shape defining framework. The shape defining framework may be formed from a plurality of elongate members interconnected at their end regions by connection pieces. At least one wheel can be positioned on the shape defining framework such that when the article of luggage is moved from a standing position to a towing position, the wheel(s) enables the article of luggage to roll along the ground in the direction it is being towed.