Suitcase Lock with Clamping Boss and Elastic Button

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suitcase zippers are prone to accidental opening due to pressure, providing opportunities for unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A lock system for suitcases that includes a lock main body with an accommodating cavity, an elastic member, and a clamping button with a clamping boss, which securely locks the zipper piece by clamping it into the clamping boss under elastic pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a zipper is used on the suitcase for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the zipper is easy to open due to pressing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessVSAvoidzipper security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A lock mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the zipper and the suitcase body. The lock includes a button body that can be pressed to release the zipper, serving as a mediator that provides controlled access while preventing unauthorized opening. The button body acts as the intermediary element that must be deliberately activated to change the zipper state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by pre-engaging the button body in a locked state that prevents zipper movement. The elastic member maintains continuous pressure on the button body to keep it engaged with the zipper piece, creating a preliminary restraining force that must be overcome before the zipper can open.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If a lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezipper securityVSAvoidlock structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a button body for user interaction, an elastic member for providing restoring force, and a clamping structure for engaging the zipper. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member provides self-service by automatically generating the restoring force needed to return the button body to its engaged position after pressing. This eliminates the need for additional springs, motors, or complex resetting mechanisms, as the elastic member self-regenerates the locking force throughout the operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the button main body is made movable to enable locking and unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the object's composition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking controlVSAvoidbutton position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The button body is designed with dynamic characteristics, transitioning between a stable engaged state and a pressed state. The elastic member enables controlled movement while maintaining stability in the locked position through continuous elastic pressure. This dynamic design allows operational flexibility while preserving compositional stability during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining continuous pressure on the button body before any pressing action occurs. This pre-applied elastic force ensures the button body remains firmly in its engaged position, providing stability and preventing accidental movement while still allowing deliberate pressing when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The lock system effectively prevents accidental opening of the suitcase zipper, enhancing security by ensuring that the zipper can only be opened intentionally.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member, one end of which is fixed on the bottom of the accommodating cavity opposite the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12203293B2Lock and suitcase

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 DURAFLEX HONG KONG

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of daily necessities, and in particular to a lock and a suitcase. The lock comprises: a lock main body, which is provided with an accommodating cavity, an opening, and a first through hole, and the opening and the first through hole both being in communication with the accommodating cavity; an elastic member, one end of which is fixed on the bottom of the accommodating cavity opposite the opening; and a clamping button, which comprises a button main body provided with a groove and a clamping boss obtained by extending from the button main body towards the groove, wherein the button main body is inserted into the accommodating cavity from the opening, the button main body is movable relative to the lock main body, the button main body abuts against the other end of the elastic member, and the clamping boss corresponds to the first through hole. By means of the lock, when a zipper piece on the suitcase presses the clamping button of the lock, a hole in the zipper piece is clamped into the clamping boss, and thus, the zipper piece on the suitcase can be locked.