Retractable Shoulder Strap for Luggage Using Spring Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoulder straps on carry cases are unsightly when loose, pose tripping hazards, and cause confusion when stored in compartments, especially in crowded spaces like airlines or railroads.
Innovation Solution
A retractable strap device using coil-type extension springs and slider devices that allow the strap to retract neatly into the case, with locking mechanisms to prevent slippage, providing a compact and safe carrying solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed shoulder strap is attached to the carry case, then the case can be carried over the shoulder, but the strap becomes loose and unsightly when the case is placed on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed strap with a retractable strap mechanism that can dynamically adjust its length and position. The strap extends when needed for carrying and automatically retracts to a compact stored position when not in use, eliminating the unsightly loose appearance while maintaining carrying functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable strap is nested within a housing mechanism that contains the strap in a compact form. When the strap is not in use, it is stored within the housing, creating a neat integrated appearance. The strap can be extended from the housing when needed, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional capability.
2Ease of operation
If a loose shoulder strap is attached to the carry case, then the case can be carried, but the strap presents a tripping hazard to users and passersby
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable strap mechanism dynamically controls the strap's deployment, extending it only when the user actively pulls it out for carrying. When not in use, the strap automatically retracts into the housing, eliminating the loose hanging portion that causes tripping hazards while preserving the carrying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful loose portion of the strap is extracted from the visible area by storing it within the housing mechanism. Only the necessary functional portion of the strap is exposed during active use, removing the tripping hazard while maintaining carrying capability.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple shoulder straps are loosely positioned on adjacent pieces of luggage in storage compartments, then the luggage can be stored, but personnel become confused when attempting to identify specific straps with particular pieces of luggage
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable strap is nested within the carry case housing, creating a one-to-one correspondence between the strap and its parent case. This nested arrangement ensures that each strap is clearly associated with its specific luggage item, eliminating confusion during storage and retrieval operations while allowing multiple luggage items to be stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system is segmented into individual retractable units, each independently housed within its respective carry case. This segmentation creates clear visual and physical separation between straps and their associated luggage, improving identification and reducing confusion during storage and retrieval.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable strap mechanism is implemented, then the strap can be kept compact and safe when not in use, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable strap mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the housing serves as both the structural component and the storage container for the strap, the resilient means provides both the retraction force and the mounting mechanism, and the slider device combines strap guidance with controlled deployment. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining safety and functionality.
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 retractable strap device enhances safety by preventing tripping hazards and simplifies luggage identification and storage by keeping the strap organized and concealed when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means in the form of one or more springs arranged to retract the shoulder strap
Implementation Method 2
resilient means respectively attached to a first portion of the strap to bias the strap toward a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable carry strap (12) for carrying cases (10) such as luggage, suitcases, or briefcases, wherein the retractor device is in the form of compact spring biasing compartments (12) are provided to apply resilient retraction forces (10) to the carry strap to return it to a position in close proximity to the carrying case and to store strap retracting energy when the shoulder strap is extended away from the carrying case.