Modular Suitcase Interior Assembly via Snap-Fit Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling suitcase interiors rely heavily on manual operation and machine sewing, leading to decreased mechanical properties and inefficiencies in the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure comprising a shell, middle frame, card, and inner assembled structure, utilizing snap-fit grooves and machine sewing to automate the assembly process, with the middle frame being an integral injection molding part and the card connected through snap-fit connections and machine sewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine sewing is used to fix the inner fabric layer to the shell, then the fixation is achieved, but the mechanical properties of the shell decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sewing process entirely from the assembly method. Instead of using machine sewing to fix the inner fabric layer to the shell, the patent uses a modular structure where the inner assembled structure is inserted into the shell as a complete unit, eliminating the need for sewing operations that would puncture and weaken the shell material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a middle frame as an intermediary component between the inner fabric layer and the shell. This middle frame provides structural support and connection points, allowing the inner assembled structure to be secured to the shell through snap-fit grooves and protrusions rather than direct sewing, thus preserving the shell's mechanical integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used for assembling internal structures, then flexibility is maintained, but automation degree is low and labor cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the interior assembly into distinct modular components: the inner fabric layer, the middle frame, and the card with snap-fit features. Each module can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled together through simple snap-fit grooves and protrusions, enabling automated assembly while maintaining the flexibility of modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit grooves and protrusions are designed to automatically engage with each other when the card is inserted into the shell, creating a self-assembling mechanism. This eliminates the need for manual fastening operations while ensuring reliable connection, thereby increasing automation degree without sacrificing assembly flexibility.
3Reliability
If machine sewing is used for assembling internal structures, then fixation is achieved, but assembly accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the machine sewing mechanical system with a snap-fit mechanical system. The snap-fit grooves and protrusions provide precise geometric constraints that guide the card into exact alignment with the shell and middle frame during insertion, ensuring high assembly accuracy without the variability introduced by sewing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular structure of an interior assembly relates to the field suitcases. A first snap-fit groove is provided around an outer side of a middle frame, and an opening of the first snap-fit groove is provided downward. A second snap-fit groove is provided around an inner side of the middle frame, a first protrusion and a sliding member are provided in the second snap-fit groove, and an opening of the second snap-fit groove is provided upward. An upper end of a shell is snap-fitted into the first snap-fit groove to be combined with the middle frame, and the card is combined with the inner assembled structure. Subsequently, the card is inserted into the second snap-fit groove, the second protrusion fixes the card in the second snap-fit groove through the sliding member and the first protrusion, and the step-like member and the sliding member are fixed by a snap-fit connection.