Suitcase Body Frame Structure for Identical Shells and Centered Handles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suitcases with metal or alloy frames require different structural constructions for the front and rear shells, leading to increased development time and cost, limited packing volume, and off-center handle placement.

Innovation Solution

A suitcase design featuring a first and second body part engaged via engagement members, with a handle fixed between them, allowing for identical construction of both parts and enhancing structural integrity through an inner and outer frame engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If handles are mounted on metal frames connecting front and rear shells, then structural support is provided, but the front and rear shells require different structural constructions, increasing development time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The suitcase body is divided into a first body part and a second body part that can be independently manufactured using identical molds. The engagement member connects these segmented parts, allowing each to be produced with the same structural construction while maintaining overall structural support through the connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member serves multiple functions: it connects the first and second body parts, provides structural support, and enables the use of identical molds for both body parts. This universal component eliminates the need for different structural constructions in the front and rear shells, reducing development time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If handles are mounted on metal frames, then structural support is provided, but the height and width of the suitcase body are limited, reducing packing volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidpacking volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is repositioned from a side-mounted configuration on metal frames to a top-mounted configuration between the first and second body parts. This dimensional change allows the suitcase body to achieve greater height and width without compromising structural support, as the handle is engaged with the body parts rather than being mounted on lateral metal frames that would constrain the dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If handles are mounted on metal frames, then structural support is provided, but the handles become off-center, affecting usability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidhandle placement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement member is designed with asymmetric engagement features that allow the handle to be positioned at an optimal location between the first and second body parts. This asymmetric design enables centered or optimally positioned handle placement that improves usability while maintaining structural support through the engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20250261731A1Suitcase and suitcase body

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 OMNIMUS CO HK LTD

AI summary

A suitcase body (12) is disclosed as including a first body part (14), a second body part (16) fixedly engaged with the first body part via an outer frame (20), an inner frame (22) fixedly engaged with the outer frame (20), and a handle (18) fixedly engaged with and between the first body part and the second body part.