Linking Luggage Set With Built-In Scale And Locking Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers often cannot determine if their luggage is overweight until arriving at the airport, and commercially available luggage lacks mechanisms to connect multiple units for easy transport.
Innovation Solution
A modular luggage system with a built-in digital scale and connector system that allows for accurate weight measurement and interconnection of luggage units, featuring a load sensor, display, and locking frames with wheels for easy maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercially available luggage is used, then the luggage structure is simple, but the traveler cannot determine luggage weight without a commercial scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a commercial scale with luggage to create an integrated weighing system. The scale is positioned to receive luggage on its platform, and the handle of the luggage telescopes through an opening in the scale platform, merging the weighing function with the luggage structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale platform acts as an intermediary between the luggage and the weighing mechanism. The platform receives the luggage, transfers its weight through the handle to the weighing mechanism, and displays the weight reading, mediating the measurement process.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple luggage units are used, then the storage capacity increases, but the traveler must carry and/or tow the luggage making it very hard to get around
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple luggage units into a single integrated assembly by connecting them through the scale platform. The scale platform serves as a common base that multiple luggage handles can telescope through, merging separate luggage units into one coordinated group that can be moved together.
Solution Approach 2:
The luggage system is segmented into modular units that can be independently packed but are mechanically connected through the scale platform. Each luggage unit maintains its independence while the connection mechanism allows them to be moved as a coordinated group.
3Loss of time
If the traveler arrives at the airport without knowing the luggage weight, then the luggage can be packed freely, but the traveler finds out the luggage is overweight at the airport causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary weighing of luggage at home before traveling to the airport. The integrated scale allows travelers to weigh their packed luggage in advance, adjust contents if overweight, and avoid airport weighing delays, performing the weighing action before the airport trip.
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
Enables real-time weight determination and easy transport of multiple luggage units, eliminating the need for external scales and reducing the hassle of carrying or towing multiple bags.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor built into the first sidewall of said luggage body, said load sensor being operative to measure a weight of the luggage body and its contents
Data Source
AI summary
A modular luggage system includes a luggage module having a luggage body, a first frame with telescoping arms; a second frame extending perpendicularly from the first frame; a handle; and wheels. The frame with telescoping arms connects modules together. The body has a lid that moves between an open position and a closed position. The luggage body and lid define a storage compartment with sidewalls. The first frame and the second frame connect to and extend along a first sidewall and a second sidewall, respectively. The wheels are mounted on the first frame on the first sidewall. The handle slides from and within the second frame. The luggage body has a load sensor built into the first sidewall to measure the weight of the luggage body and its contents. A display attached to the sensor displays the weight on the exterior of the module. No more overweight luggage and carts.