Stowable Table with Folding Flaps for Luggage Handle Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers face challenges in finding a convenient and space-efficient way to utilize the handle of their roller bags for additional functions, such as a work surface, while maintaining compliance with airline size standards for stowage.
Innovation Solution
A stowable table design that includes a rigid or semi-rigid main panel, flap portions, a first restraint system to secure the panel to the handle grip, and a second restraint system to tension the flap portions around the handle, allowing the table to be easily folded and stowed within the luggage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a table is mounted to the roller bag handle to provide a work surface, then the functionality and utility are improved, but the size and stowage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into a main panel and two flap portions that can be separated and folded independently. The flap portions can be folded against the main panel to reduce overall volume, while still providing a functional work surface when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The table incorporates movable flap portions that can transition between extended and folded positions. This dynamic configuration allows the table to adapt its size - providing full functionality when needed and compact stowage when not in use or when passing through security
2Area of stationary object
If flap portions are added to create a work surface, then the functional area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint systems are integrated into the flap portions themselves rather than being separate components. The straps that provide restraint functionality are incorporated directly into the flap structure, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining both the work surface area and the restraint functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table is designed to accommodate the handle between flap portions, then the adaptability to handle configurations is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint systems are positioned at specific locations on the flap portions to engage with the handle grip at optimal points. This localized restraint application provides effective handle accommodation without requiring precise folding axis spacing throughout the entire structure, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A stowable table mountable to a handle of luggage is disclosed. In an example, the stowable table includes a rigid or semi-rigid main panel, a pair of flap portions mounted to a first side of the main panel, and a first restraint system mounted to the first side of the main panel between the pair of flap portions to secure the main panel to a handle grip of the handle. Each flap portion has a folding axis relative to the main panel that is spaced apart from the folding axis of the other flap portion to define a region that accommodates the handle between the pair of flap portions. The stowable table further includes a second restraint system that tensions the pair of flap portions toward each other, and spans the distance between the pair of flap portions on each side of the region to surround the handle.