Rolling Luggage with Segmented Wheel System for Stability
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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 featuring a base with non-swivel and swivel wheels that all contact the surface for stability, a collapsible structure with pivoting sides 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 fixed 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 vs. fixed) based on their specific functional requirements. The swivel caster wheels provide rotational freedom where needed, while the fixed non-swivel wheels provide stability where required, creating local quality differentiation within the wheel system.
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 panels are designed with collapsible features that allow them to dynamically change from a rigid protective state to a flexible insertion state. During insertion, the sides can be collapsed or reconfigured to accommodate bulky items, then return to their rigid protective configuration, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the side panels is changed based on operational needs. The panels can be collapsed or reconfigured to reduce rigidity during insertion operations, then return to their original rigid state for protection, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical properties to different operational phases.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned at the top for easy grasping, then ease of operation is improved, but user strain increases during tilting for rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The handle positioning is optimized asymmetrically relative to the wheel arrangement. The handle is positioned to work synergistically with the non-swivel wheels, creating a balanced mechanical system where the user's pulling force is distributed more effectively, reducing strain on the arm and wrist during tilting operations.
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 coupled to a base, the base including a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between, 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.