Luggage Hinge Zone Locking Mechanism for Secure Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luggage designs with hinge zones for reversible deployment and folding are complex and not intuitive to maintain in the deployed configuration, making them unreliable for secure use.
Innovation Solution
A luggage design featuring an upper and lower section connected by a hinge zone, with an intermediate frame and reversible locking device that allows intuitive deployment and secure engagement to prevent folding, facilitating easy transition between deployed and folded configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rods are used to prevent hinge zone folding, then the luggage can be maintained in deployed configuration, but the manipulation becomes complex and not intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a fixed part attached to the shell and a movable intermediate frame that can be deployed independently. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be simplified while maintaining reliability, as the intermediate frame can be easily deployed to engage with the fixed part without complex manipulation of multiple rods
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate frame acts as an intermediary element between the shell and the hinge zone. When deployed, it provides a simple lever arm that intuitively engages to prevent hinge zone folding, making the operation straightforward while ensuring reliable maintenance of the deployed configuration
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece thermoformed shell is used, then manufacturing is simplified and weight is reduced, but structural complexity must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is manufactured as a single thermoformed piece, simplifying production and reducing assembly steps. The hinge zone is integrated into this monolithic structure through strategic placement of folding lines, maintaining structural integrity while enabling the desired folding functionality without adding complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge zone is designed with folding lines that allow dynamic transformation between deployed and folded configurations. This dynamic capability is achieved through the strategic placement of folding lines in the thermoformed shell, enabling movement without mechanical joints while maintaining structural strength
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to luggage comprising a shell (1) having an upper section (1a) and a lower section (1b) connected by a hinge zone (3), said upper section being equipped with a handling device for said luggage comprising an upper frame (12) between an upper handle (13) and a lower support (14) fixed in said upper section, the lower section (1b) being equipped with a lower frame (19) extending between a lower wall (9) of said lower section and an upper support (21) fixed in said lower section, said luggage being equipped with an intermediate frame (22) comprising a connector (20) being reversibly deployable between a position away from the hinge zone (3) and a position of engagement of the connector (20) in one of the supports (21, 14) being arranged to prevent folding of the hinge zone (3), said connector and said support comprising a device (30, 31, 32,33) reversible locking of their engagement.