Reinforced Trunk Frame Assembly for Rigid Yet Flexible Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trunks struggle to balance rigidity and flexibility, requiring robustness for larger volumes and weights, while maintaining durability and edge protection.

Innovation Solution

A trunk system comprising a parallelepiped frame with rigid panels engaged in grooves of angle brackets, secured by mechanical fastening means that do not penetrate the brackets, and reinforced with sockets and a reinforcement frame, allowing flexibility at panel interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate forming processes are used for different trunk components, then each component can be manufactured with high precision, but the overall manufacturing time and process complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent forming precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate forming processes into a single integrated die structure that can form different trunk components (such as the body and branches) in one operation. The die includes multiple cavities and injection channels that enable simultaneous formation of different components, thereby maintaining high precision while significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If complex multi-cavity injection molding is used to improve productivity, then manufacturing time is reduced, but controlling injection pressure and preventing short shots becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidinjection pressure control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the injection system into multiple independent injection channels, each equipped with its own injection hole and control mechanism. This allows independent control of injection pressure and flow rate for each cavity, ensuring precise pressure control even in complex multi-cavity configurations. The segmented approach prevents short shots by enabling individual adjustment of each injection path while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If conventional separate molding processes are used, then process control is simpler, but material consumption increases and assembly complexity rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess control simplicityVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested die structure where smaller cavities are positioned within or adjacent to larger cavities, allowing efficient use of the die space. This nesting arrangement enables the formation of multiple components in a single molding cycle, reducing material consumption by eliminating the need for separate molding operations and subsequent assembly. The integrated approach also reduces assembly complexity while maintaining manageable process control through the use of standard injection molding parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 system achieves both high rigidity and flexibility, ensuring durability and edge protection, with the ability to absorb mechanical stresses and maintain structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a first trunk and a second trunk are respectively formed through injection molding by using a first injection molding device and a second injection molding device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Data Source

PatentEP4543253B1Trunk system and assembly method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 LOUIS VUITTON MALLETIER SA
  • EP4543253B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4543253B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4543253B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a trunk system (1) comprising a barrel (110) and an opening lid (120), the barrel (110) and the opening lid (120) each comprising a parallelepiped frame, at least one edge of the parallelepiped frame of the barrel (110) and/or of the opening lid (120) being covered on the outside by at least one respective socket (50) joined by mechanical fastening means to the rigid panels (11) on either side of the angle piece (2) corresponding to the edge, the mechanical fastening means being configured to connect the at least one socket (50) to the rigid panels (11) by passing through the rigid panels.