Pivoting Toiletry Case with Display Arm for Suitcase Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers face challenges in packing and accessing their belongings efficiently, particularly due to the lack of organized spaces for shoes and toiletries, which often get damaged during travel and are difficult to retrieve without unpacking the entire suitcase.
Innovation Solution
A suitcase design featuring a base shell with wheels and an extendable handle, pivotally coupled with a second shell that can be latched, includes partitions for separate storage of shoes and toiletries, with flaps and fishnet for secure storage and easy access, and a case with a cover that can pivot for display and protection on a hotel vanity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If toiletry items are stored loose in the suitcase, then they can be easily accessed, but they get crushed and caps become loosened during baggage handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the suitcase interior into separate compartments using partitions. One compartment is specifically designated for toiletry items, physically separating them from other packed goods. This segmentation prevents crushing while maintaining organized access, resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (a dedicated toiletry compartment with partitions) between the toiletry items and the external handling forces. This intermediary protects the items from crushing while allowing organized access, eliminating the need to dig through densely packed luggage.
2Quantity of substance
If the suitcase is densely packed to maximize space utilization, then more items can be transported, but access to specific items requires digging through the entire suitcase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple partitions that divide the suitcase into distinct zones and sub-compartments. This segmentation allows dense packing of items while maintaining organized sections, enabling travelers to access specific items without disturbing the entire contents. Each partitioned area can be independently accessed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different organizational qualities to different regions of the suitcase. Specific compartments are designed with particular characteristics (e.g., mesh pockets for small items, flat sections for garments) that optimize both space utilization and access efficiency for each item type.
3Device complexity
If shoes are stored without separate compartments, then the suitcase structure is simpler, but shoes can dislodge debris that soils other contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dedicated shoe compartment separated from other contents by partitions. This segmentation contains debris from shoes within a specific zone, preventing it from soiling other packed items. The added structural complexity is minimal while effectively solving the contamination problem.
4Productivity
If toiletry items are transferred to hotel vanity without organization, then transfer is quicker, but items become vulnerable to handling by housekeeping staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent organizes toiletry items into a dedicated compartment with partitions before departure. This preliminary organization allows for quick transfer to the hotel vanity while maintaining a unified, protected structure that housekeeping staff are less likely to handle individually, thus protecting items throughout the trip.
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 provides a safe, organized, and hygienic way to transport and access toiletries and shoes, reducing damage and disorganization, while allowing convenient use and display at the destination, minimizing handling by hotel staff.
Implementation Method 1
A flap that may be made of a transparent material may be used to releasably seal the shoes in the first and second sub-compartments using Velcro or other hook and loop type pieces of material.
Data Source
AI summary
A case assembly is configured for organized carrying of toiletries in a leak-proof manner within a suitcase, and for subsequent displaying of the toiletries within the case on a vanity countertop, particularly on hotel/motel and other guest-like bathroom vanities. A contour of an exterior portion of the case assembly is configured to corresponding/match a contoured portion of the suitcase interior, and to have an extent matching a full depth of the suitcase, to optimize space occupied therein. The case assembly includes: a case; a seal member; a cover configured to enclose the opening in the case, in a closed position; a cover support arm permitting selective pivotal movements of the cover; a latch to secure the cover in a leak-proof manner, in the closed position; and a display arm pivotally coupled to the cover, and configured to support the opened case cover at a desired display angle.