Suitcase Frame Corner Assembly for Lightweight Structural Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suitcases with wheels still require lifting heavy baggage, adding weight with internal boards or structures, and face manufacturing challenges due to increased global competition and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly for a suitcase panel using fiberglass support rods and frame corner components with apertures and internal protrusions for secure connection, eliminating the need for additional boards and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If boards or supporting structures are incorporated into soft-sided suitcases to provide shape, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin wire frame structure instead of bulky boards to provide structural support. The wire frame acts as a flexible skeleton that maintains the suitcase shape while adding minimal weight, replacing the traditional rigid board support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining the wire frame with fabric panels. This composite structure achieves both structural integrity and lightweight properties, as the wire frame provides rigidity while the fabric maintains flexibility and adds minimal weight.
2Strength
If traditional manufacturing processes with boards are used, then structural support is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suitcase structure is segmented into distinct components: wire frames for each panel, corner pieces for connection, and fabric panels for covering. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire frame design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the suitcase shape, and facilitates easy assembly through standardized corner pieces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional supporting structures and simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used to reduce suitcase weight, then weight limit compliance is improved, but durability under rough handling may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where the wire frame provides rigid structural support for durability, while the fabric panels maintain lightweight properties. This combination ensures the suitcase can withstand rough handling despite using lightweight materials overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire frame is designed with curved connections at the corners rather than sharp angles. This curvature distributes stress more evenly during rough handling, improving durability while maintaining the lightweight structure.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a frame corner component (110) for a frame assembly of a suitcase panel. The frame corner component comprises a first connection portion (112) and a second connection portion (113), each of the first and second connection portion comprising an opening (116, 117) configured to receive an end of a support rod. At least one of the first and second connection portions further comprises an aperture (118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 119A, 119B, 119C, 119D) configured to allow access to at least a part of a respective support rod when the respective support rod is received in the opening of a respective connection portion.