Retractable Central Wheel for Luggage Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suitcases with four wheels are inconvenient due to an unsuitable handle angle causing user discomfort and fatigue, and the wheels are prone to damage during loading and unloading, as they extend beyond the suitcase perimeter.
Innovation Solution
A luggage article with a retractable central wheel functionally associated with a handle, allowing the central wheel to be retracted within the body in a storage orientation and extended for support in a rolling orientation, reducing user weight burden and minimizing wheel exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If four wheels are used on the suitcase, then the user does not have to bear the weight of the suitcase, but the handle angle becomes unsuitable for natural hand position causing user discomfort and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a retractable handle mechanism that can dynamically change its extension state. When extended, the handle provides a comfortable angle for the user's hand; when retracted, it allows the suitcase to be maneuvered differently. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the handle configuration to different operational needs, maintaining both weight support and user comfort.
2Weight of moving object
If four wheels extend beyond the suitcase perimeter, then the suitcase can be moved without user weight burden, but the wheels are exposed to pressure and bumping during loading and unloading causing wheel breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes retractable wheels that can dynamically adjust their position relative to the suitcase body. During normal rolling operation, the wheels extend beyond the perimeter to provide full weight support. During loading and unloading operations, the wheels can be retracted into the suitcase body, protecting them from damage while maintaining the weight support capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A luggage article comprising a body including a top face, a bottom face, an a plurality of side faces. A first pair of wheels is disposed at the bottom face of the body. A handle has a first operative orientation wherein the handle is disposed within the body and a second operative orientation wherein the handle extracted from the body. A central wheel is functionally associated with the handle, such that in the first operative orientation of the handle, the central wheel is retracted and disposed in or adjacent a face of the body, and in the second operative orientation the central wheel is extracted and extends outwardly from the body.