Spring-Loaded Fastening System for Luggage Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for attaching containers to luggage carriers are cumbersome, with protruding fastening elements that make the containers heavier and less smooth, and require complex unlocking mechanisms, making attachment and removal inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A compact locking system with a spring-loaded fastening element and receiving device that allows for easy attachment and removal, featuring a cylindrical fastening element with a guide rail and a self-locking mechanism that can be unlocked manually, keeping the system flat and lightweight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If large stable hooks or hooks with large deflections are used to attach containers to the carrier, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidhook structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using large hooks on the container to engage with the carrier, the patent inverts the approach by using small fastening elements on the carrier that engage with receiving elements on the container. This reversal allows the container structure to remain simple and smooth while the mounting device on the carrier provides the necessary strength and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: fastening elements mounted on the carrier and receiving elements on the container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the fastening elements can be strong and stable while the container structure remains simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple attachment points with wide guide grooves are used on the carrier, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertionVSAvoidmounting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire mounting device complex with wide guide grooves across the whole carrier surface, the patent applies localized receiving elements with integrated guide features only where needed. This provides sufficient guidance for insertion while keeping the overall device simple and lightweight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If protruding fastening elements are attached to the container, then the attachment functionality is improved, but the surface smoothness and weight are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment functionalityVSAvoidsurface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses which component has the fastening elements and which has the receiving elements. The carrier gets the active fastening elements while the container has passive receiving elements that can be smoothly integrated into its structure, eliminating protruding elements on the container surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex fastening mechanism is extracted from the container and placed on the carrier instead. This allows the container to maintain a smooth, simple surface while the carrier bears the complexity of the attachment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 easy and secure attachment and removal of containers without prior unlocking, maintaining a smooth surface and reducing weight, with the ability to be integrated into the container design for a seamless and convenient handling experience.

Implementation Method 1

the receiving element is provided with an unlocking or contact area on its inlet side via a spring-loaded means and that Fastening element can be locked in the receiving element by means of the spring-loaded means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring-loaded mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2552767B1Fixing and/or arresting system for a retaining arrangement
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 ORTLIEB SPORTARTIKEL
  • EP2552767B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2552767B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2552767B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

A system for fixing and/or arresting containers on a fastening arrangement, in particular bags, cases or rucksacks on a carrier, such as a luggage rack, in the case of which a fastening element is fitted on the carrier, or on an accessory for the carrier, and engages in a receiving element of a container, and can be connected in a releasable manner thereto, wherein the receiving element is designed with an introduction means or a guide for a fastening element, and the latter can be introduced into the same, and wherein the receiving element, via a spring-loaded means, is provided with an unlocking and/or run-on region on an entry site, and the fastening element can be locked in the receiving element by way of the spring-loaded means, and the spring-loaded means has a handle for unlocking purposes.