Universal Luggage Handle Bracket for Multi-Size Repairable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luggage handle designs require multiple separate parts for various sizes and models, leading to increased manufacturing complexity, cost, and susceptibility to damage, with limited repair options, resulting in consumer dissatisfaction and waste.
Innovation Solution
A universal retractable handle system with a bracket member and tube housing featuring multiple connection locations and reinforcing flanges, allowing standard-length tubes to extend to different lengths, and a reinforced tube housing to enhance structural integrity and simplify repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are used for different luggage sizes and models, then each luggage model can have a customized handle design, but manufacturing complexity increases and component inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single bracket member with multiple connection locations that can accommodate tubes of different lengths for various luggage sizes. Instead of creating different bracket designs for each luggage model, one universal bracket serves multiple functions by allowing selective attachment at different positions, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and component inventory while maintaining adaptability across luggage sizes and models
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket member is segmented into multiple connection locations along its structure, allowing the same component to be configured for different luggage sizes by attaching tubes at appropriate positions. This segmentation enables a single component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If conventional telescoping tubes are used, then the handle can be extended to comfortable length, but the tubes are prone to denting or breakage due to high torsional and bending loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by integrating the tube within a reinforced housing structure. The housing provides additional structural support and protection against torsional and bending loads, while the tube itself maintains its telescoping functionality. This composite approach allows the handle to extend to comfortable lengths while significantly improving resistance to damage from high loads
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforced housing structure acts as a protective cushion around the telescoping tube, preventing direct exposure to damaging forces. This prior protection structure is designed to absorb and distribute torsional and bending loads before they can cause denting or breakage to the tube
3Ease of operation
If conventional handle designs are used, then the handle functions for pulling luggage, but repair or replacement of damaged tubes is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system is segmented into modular components - the bracket member, the tube, and the housing - that can be independently replaced. The tube can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire handle assembly or the bracket, making repair simpler and more cost-effective while maintaining full handle functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The universal bracket member with multiple connection locations serves both as a structural component and as a standardized mounting interface. This standardization allows damaged tubes to be replaced with new ones using the same bracket and connection mechanism, simplifying the repair process across different luggage models
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a universal retractable handle assembly for attachment to luggage items of a variety of different sizes. A plurality of tubes having a fixed length can be attached to a bracket member such that each tube can extend in a telescoping manner to a different distance from the bracket member when the handle is in the extended position and thus be employed in different sizes of luggage. Additionally, a tube housing is provided which includes a tube receiving portion and reinforcing portions on an outer surface of the tube housing. The tube receiving portion is formed with an arcuate shape which corresponds with the shape of the tube member to be inserted therein. The reinforcing portions include a plurality of planar flanges which extend beyond the outer surface of the tube receiving portion to provide improved structural characteristics.