Suitcase Handle System for Portable Table Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers often face challenges in managing their suitcases in small hotel rooms without available surfaces, leading to the need for a solution that allows the suitcase to be used as a portable table without occupying bed space or requiring bending.
Innovation Solution
The suitcase is equipped with a handle system that includes a central body fixed to the side wall with rotatable side ends, allowing the upper portion of the handle to slide and adjust vertically, and a support arm that can be hinged to provide additional stability when converted into a table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic legs are made independent and movable for suitcase conversion to table, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental hooking and unintended opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the four independent telescopic legs into a single integrated handle structure. The handle comprises a lower portion and an upper portion that work together as one unified mechanism, eliminating the risk of individual legs accidentally opening while maintaining the ability to convert the suitcase into a stable table configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a transport handle, a support leg when extended, and a stabilizing element when the suitcase is converted to table mode. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate telescopic legs while achieving the same adaptability goals.
2Ease of operation
If handle portions are made rotatable and slidable for position adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means incorporate rotatable and slidable mechanisms that allow the handle portions to dynamically adjust to different positions. The lower and upper portions can rotate about an axis and slide along the handle axis, providing flexible positioning while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical movements.
Data Source
AI summary
This finding regards a suitcase (1) which comprises, on at least one side wall thereof, a handle (2) comprising a lower portion (3) and an upper portion (4), it being provided that each of said portions (3, 4) of the handle (2) is hinged to the side wall by its own connection means, so as to be able to switch from a configuration wherein they are substantially parallel to said wall to one wherein they are substantially orthogonal to said wall. Said connection means between the side wall and the portions (3, 4) of the handle (2) comprise a central body (7) fixed to said wall and to which at least one rotatable side end (8) is connected, able to rotate about an axis parallel to the side wall. The upper portion (4) is slidable through the relative rotatable side end (8) and that stop elements are provided to block said sliding, so as to adjust the vertical position of said upper portion (4).