Modular Travel Case with Sliding Container Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers face challenges in transporting cosmetics and personal care items due to volume restrictions, waste from large travel-sized products, limited availability of travel sizes, and the inconvenience of carrying multiple separate containers, which can leak or get lost.
Innovation Solution
A portable and modular travel case with a base featuring elongate channels and removably secured container modules, utilizing magnets for retention, allowing for secure storage and easy separation of multiple personal care items while adhering to TSA volume guidelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If travel-sized containers are used, then volume restrictions are met, but product waste increases due to large container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the travel container into modular components: a reusable base and interchangeable container modules. Each module can be independently filled with exact product quantities needed, eliminating waste from pre-filled large travel containers while meeting volume restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system transitions from static pre-filled travel containers to a dynamic modular system where containers can be removed, refilled, and replaced. This allows the user to adapt container contents to exact travel needs, reducing product waste while maintaining compliance with volume limits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are carried, then product variety increases, but risk of loss and leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate containers are merged into a single integrated travel case with a unified base and side rails. Individual container modules can be slid in and secured within the base, providing product variety while preventing loss through the unified structure and reducing leakage risk through contained compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual container modules are nested within the larger travel case base structure. The containers fit within defined spaces bounded by side rails and base walls, allowing product variety through multiple modules while the nested configuration prevents loss and contains potential leakage within the base.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are used, then product selection increases, but space requirements in luggage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple container modules that would otherwise occupy separate spaces in luggage are merged into a single compact travel case. The modules stack or arrange within the base structure, consolidating multiple products into one organized unit that occupies less total space while maintaining product selection variety.
Solution Approach 2:
Container modules are nested within the travel case base, with each module fitting into a designated space. This nested arrangement allows multiple products to be stored in a compact configuration that minimizes the overall volume occupied in luggage while preserving access to all products.
4Ease of operation
If travel-sized products are purchased, then immediate availability is achieved, but cost increases due to limited availability of desired products
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the container function from the product content, allowing users to purchase products in their preferred sizes and transfer them to modular container modules. This eliminates the need to purchase expensive travel-sized versions of desired products, reducing cost while maintaining immediate availability through the reusable base and modules.
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 efficient and organized transport of desired cosmetics and personal care items, reducing waste and space requirements, while preventing leakage and loss, and allowing for refilling without needing travel-sized containers.
Implementation Method 1
The retention mechanism includes a plurality of magnets located on at least one of the base and the plurality of container modules
Data Source
AI summary
A modular case includes: a base having opposing side rails formed along sides of the base, the side rails forming elongate channels therein; a plurality of container modules removably secured on the base, the plurality of container modules having a base plate having a width extending across a width of the base such that sides of the base plate fit within the elongate channels formed by the side rails of the base, one or more containers formed on the base and extending upwardly therefrom, the one or more containers including an open end, and one or more caps secured to the one or more containers over the open end. Sides of the plurality of base plates slidably engage the elongate channels formed on the base such that the plurality of container modules are removably secured to the base.