Suitcase Opening and Closing Device with Segmented Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suitcases are prone to accidental opening during travel due to collisions, leading to objects being scattered or lost, and existing locks are inconvenient to use, especially when loaded with bulky items.
Innovation Solution
An opening and closing device with a fixing device and a limiting device, featuring a fixing portion, a fixing member, a driving device, a limiting portion, and a limiting member, which securely engage and disengage to prevent accidental opening, and includes a lock body and release device for authorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common suitcase lock is set at a position where sides of two shells are adjacent, then the lock structure is simple, but the operation becomes inconvenient when loaded with bulky items
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent devices: a fixing device for initial engagement and a limiting device for maintaining the closed state. This segmentation allows each device to perform its specific function independently, making the locking process convenient even with bulky items while keeping each individual device structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device performs preliminary action by automatically engaging the fixing member with the fixing portion when the suitcase is closed, establishing the initial locked state before the limiting device is activated. This preliminary engagement simplifies the overall locking operation, especially when hands are occupied with bulky items
2Device complexity
If no additional securing mechanism is used, then the suitcase structure is simple, but the suitcase is prone to accidental opening during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting device is extracted as a separate functional component from the traditional lock mechanism. It includes a limiting portion on the first shell and a limiting member on the second shell that work independently to prevent accidental opening, adding reliability without significantly complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting device provides preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the limiting member and limiting portion to counteract forces that might cause accidental opening. When the suitcase is closed, these components are already in place to prevent unintended separation, countering the harmful effect of collisions or vibrations during travel
3Ease of operation
If a zipper or lock hook is inserted into a lock hole while maintaining an approached state, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation is inconvenient when loaded with bulky objects
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device operates on a self-service principle where the fixing member automatically engages with the fixing portion through the approaching motion of the shells themselves. No separate manual insertion action is needed - the closing motion of the suitcase automatically performs the locking function, making it convenient even when hands are occupied with bulky items while ensuring reliable engagement
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 device effectively prevents accidental opening of suitcases, even when loaded with bulky items, by ensuring secure engagement and easy release, enhancing user convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
when the first shell approaches the second shell, the fixing member may rotate so that the other end is inserted into the fixing hole to be engaged with the fixing portion
Implementation Method 2
when the first shell approaches the second shell, the limiting member end portion may be engaged with the limiting portion
Implementation Method 3
The driving device may be subjected to an external force to release the engagement between the fixing member and the fixing portion and the engagement between the limiting member end portion and the limiting portion
Data Source
AI summary
An opening and closing device is provided, including a fixing device and a limiting device. The fixing device includes a fixing portion and a fixing member, and the limiting device includes a driving device, a limiting portion, and a limiting member. The fixing member may rotate to be engaged with the fixing portion. The driving device is disposed on a first shell. The limiting portion is disposed on an inner side of the first shell. The limiting member is disposed on an inner side of a second shell. When the first shell approaches the second shell, the limiting member end portion may be engaged with the limiting portion. The driving device may be subjected to an external force to release the engagement between the fixing member and the fixing portion and the engagement between the limiting member end portion and the limiting portion.