Expandable Suitcase Sliding Panels Telescoping Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers face challenges in finding a single luggage item that can adapt to varying trip durations and requirements, as existing luggage solutions do not efficiently expand or collapse to accommodate different sizes.
Innovation Solution
The design of an expandable and collapsible luggage item featuring slidably-connected shell panels and an expandable frame with telescoping members and support brackets, allowing the luggage to transition between multiple vertical positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If luggage is designed as a single fixed size, then manufacturing and usage are simple, but it cannot adapt to varying trip durations and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The luggage body is divided into multiple shell panels (front section with three panels, back section with three panels) that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the luggage to expand or collapse by moving panels along sliding mechanisms, enabling adaptation to different trip requirements while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The luggage incorporates dynamic elements including sliding shell panels, telescoping members, and expandable frames that allow the structure to change size. The support brackets with spring plungers and glide components enable controlled movement between collapsed and expanded states, providing versatility without excessive complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If luggage expands vertically to multiple sizes, then it meets various travel needs, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping members are nested within each other, with inner tubes containing outer tubes, allowing vertical expansion and collapse. The spring plungers are nested within glide components, and support brackets are positioned within the shell panel structure. This nesting approach enables multiple vertical positions while consolidating mechanisms into compact spaces
Solution Approach 2:
Spring plungers act as intermediaries between the sliding shell panels and support brackets, providing controlled movement and positioning. The glide components serve as intermediaries that guide the motion of shell panels relative to each other. These intermediary elements simplify the overall mechanism by mediating the interaction between expanding and collapsing components
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an expandable and collapsible luggage item, such as a suitcase. The luggage item can be easily transitioned between two or three different sizes, allowing for use as an overnight or weekend bag, airplane carry-on, or large suitcase. As described herein, the design of the expandable and collapsible luggage item includes various shell panels that are slidably engaged and positioned adjacent each other to allow for the luggage item to collapse and expand.