Luggage Zip Assembly with Double Flap Teeth for Variable Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luggage items with variable storage volumes require complex manufacturing processes and high production costs due to the need for precise synchronization and sewing of different width tape halves for double zip closure systems.

Innovation Solution

A zip assembly with two half parts, each featuring flaps with double rows of teeth, allowing for a double zip closure system where one flap is sewn to each perimetral edge, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing complexity by enabling adjustable storage capacity without the need for precise synchronization of tape halves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a double zip closure system with two different tapes is used to achieve variable storage volume, then the luggage can be expanded or contracted as needed, but the manufacturing complexity and production costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable storage volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate tape halves into a single integrated tape structure with two rows of teeth. Instead of using two separate zip tapes that need to be synchronized and sewn independently, the invention combines them into one tape that is sewn once to the shell, eliminating the complexity of synchronizing and aligning multiple tapes during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single tape structure performs multiple functions: it provides both the first and second zip closure systems, enables variable storage volume adjustment, and eliminates the need for separate tape synchronization. The tape with two rows of teeth serves as both the first tape and second tape functionality in one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two different width tape halves are used for double zip closure, then variable storage capacity is achieved, but precise synchronization and alignment during sewing becomes extremely difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable storage capacityVSAvoidtape synchronization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple tape functions into a single tape structure. Instead of requiring two separate tapes of different widths to be precisely aligned and synchronized during sewing, the invention uses one tape with two rows of teeth that can be sewn independently to the shell, eliminating the synchronization precision requirement entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two separate tape halves are sewn to the shell edges, then double zip closure is achieved, but the sewing process requires specific complex devices and precise handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedouble zip closureVSAvoidsewing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the sewing process by combining the functionality of two separate tape halves into one integrated tape. This single tape can be sewn to the shell edge in one operation without requiring complex synchronization devices or precise handling procedures, making the manufacturing process more straightforward and easier to automate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3485758B1Luggage item
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 VALIGERIA RONCATO
  • EP3485758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3485758B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3485758B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a luggage item comprising a first portion (2) and a second portion (3) having a respective perimetral edge (8, 11), a zip assembly (12) comprising a first half part (13) and a second half part (14), the first half part (13) comprising a first flap (15) having a first (16) and a second end (17), first teeth (18) being connected to the first end (16) and second teeth (19) being connected to the second end (17), the first half part (13) comprising a second flap (20) connected to one section of the perimetral edge (8) and connected to the first flap (15) in a position comprised between the first (16) and the second end (17), the second half part (14) comprising a third flap (21) having a first (22) and a second end (23), third teeth (24) coupled to the first teeth (18) to form a first chain (26) being connected to the first end (22) of the third flap (21) and fourth teeth (25) coupled to the second teeth (19) to form a second chain (28) being connected to the second end (23) of the third flap (21), the second half part (14) comprising a fourth flap (30) connected to a section of the perimetral edge (11) and connected to the third flap (21) in a position comprised between the first (22) and the second end (23).