Stackable Suitcase Self-Locking Plug-In Coupling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suitcase stacking systems are difficult to operate and handle, particularly when trying to stack and secure one suitcase on top of another, as they often require complex fastening mechanisms that are not user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

A suitcase design featuring a contact surface with a coupling part that forms a plug-in connection with a counter-coupling part on another suitcase, utilizing a locking element that is activated during the stacking process to secure the connection without manual intervention, allowing for easy operation and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex fastening mechanisms are used to secure suitcases during stacking, then the stability and reliability of the stacked arrangement is improved, but the ease of operation and handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of stacked suitcasesVSAvoidease of stacking suitcases

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be automatically activated during the stacking process itself. When the upper suitcase is placed on the lower suitcase, the weight and positioning of the upper suitcase automatically triggers the locking element to engage with the coupling part, securing the connection without requiring separate manual fastening actions. This makes the system self-securing while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is pre-positioned in a receiving region that aligns with the coupling part before stacking occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the upper suitcase is placed on the lower one, the locking element is already in the correct location to engage with the coupling part, enabling automatic securing during the natural stacking motion without requiring additional steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual activation of locking mechanisms is required, then the precision of securing the connection is improved, but the productivity and speed of stacking operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring of plug-in connectionVSAvoidspeed of stacking operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking operation itself activates the locking mechanism. When the upper suitcase is placed on the lower suitcase, its weight and position automatically trigger the locking element to engage with the coupling part. This eliminates the need for separate manual fastening actions, allowing stacking to occur at natural speed while ensuring reliable securing through the automatic locking engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If simple fastening mechanisms are used for stacking suitcases, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and stability of the stacked arrangement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of stacking suitcasesVSAvoidstability of stacked suitcases

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simple coupling part that automatically engages with the locking element during stacking. The locking element is designed to be activated by the natural placement of the upper suitcase, creating a secure connection without requiring complex manual fastening procedures. This maintains simplicity while ensuring reliable securing through the automatic locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If multiple separate fastening steps are required, then the precision of connection is improved, but the device complexity and number of operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling part and locking element are integrated into a single unified mechanism. The locking element is positioned in the receiving region and automatically engages with the coupling part during the stacking motion itself. This merging of the coupling and locking functions into one integrated system eliminates the need for separate fastening steps while maintaining connection stability through the automatic locking engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10750833B2Stackable suitcase, arrangement comprising two suitcases stacked one above the other and method for stacking two suitcases

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 ROTHENBERGER AG

AI summary

A suitcase for stacking with a further suitcase, comprising a contact surface for stacking the further suitcase, at least one coupling part which can be brought together with a matching coupling part of the further suitcase to form a plug-in connection, wherein the coupling part is aligned such that the plug-in connection to the matching coupling part is formed by displacing the further suitcase along the contact surface. At least one locking element is provided to secure the plug-in connection against being released, wherein the locking element can be displaced from an initial position to an intermediate or end position, and in the initial position is in a receiving region for the additional suitcase, which is used when placing the further suitcase on the contact surface. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising at least two suitcases stacked one above the other and a method for stacking at least two suitcases.