Rolling Luggage with Segmented Wheel System and Collapsible Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling travel luggage is prone to unintended movement due to swivel caster wheels and has rigid sides that hinder the insertion of bulky items, causing user strain when tilting for rolling.
Innovation Solution
A rolling luggage design with a base featuring non-swivel wheels and swivel caster wheels that all contact the ground for stability, combined with a collapsible structure and a butterfly opening for easy access, and a handle placement that reduces user strain during tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If swivel caster wheels are used to allow rolling in any direction, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel system is segmented into two functional groups: swivel caster wheels for directional control and non-swivel wheels for stability. This segmentation allows each wheel type to perform its specialized function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of rolling and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different wheels are assigned different properties: swivel caster wheels have 360-degree rotation capability for maneuverability, while non-swivel wheels have fixed orientation for stability. This local differentiation of wheel properties allows the luggage to simultaneously achieve ease of operation and stability.
2Strength
If rigid sides are used to protect contents, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in inserting bulky items
Solution Approach 1:
The side structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic collapsible configuration. When the front panel is collapsed, the rigid sides can be pushed inward to create a butterfly opening, allowing easy insertion of bulky items while maintaining protective strength when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel is designed as a flexible, collapsible component that can be pushed inward to create access opening. This flexible panel allows the rigid sides to be temporarily displaced for insertion purposes while maintaining structural integrity during normal use.
3Ease of operation
If handle is placed at top portion for grasping, then ease of operation is improved, but user strain increases during rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is repositioned from a vertical placement at the top to a horizontal placement at the rear, changing the spatial dimension of the handle location. This dimensional change allows the handle to be positioned optimally for rolling motion, reducing the lever arm and consequently the user strain while maintaining ease of grasping.
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
The design enhances stability and ease of use by preventing unintended movement and facilitating the insertion of bulky items while reducing user strain during rolling.
Implementation Method 1
a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling luggage bag includes a cover fixedly coupled to a base, the base including a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of panels, arranged in a direction away from the base, wherein the plurality of panels defines an interior chamber, the interior chamber comprising an internal cover fixedly attached to the panels of the fifth panel zone, a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from the bottom face, and a third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes. When the rolling luggage is in an upright position, the first, second, third, and fourth wheels all contact a surface the luggage bag stands on.