Suitcase Wheel Assembly With Air Chamber for Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel suitcases suffer from noise pollution, complex assembly, and the risk of the 'bead-breaking' phenomenon due to multiple pieces and specialized shaping of wheel components, which increases manufacturing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
The suitcase features wheels with a polymeric external rolling body and annular flanges that form a sandwich-like closure without additional supporting means, utilizing thicker ending portions and a groove system to absorb vibrations and prevent disassembly, reducing noise and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple supporting means (annular flanges, rim element) are used to support the rolling body, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple supporting elements (rim element and annular flanges) into a single integrated one-piece supporting body made of polymeric material. This merging eliminates the need for separate supporting means while maintaining the structural stability required to support the rolling body, thereby reducing assembly complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece supporting body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a noise-damping element, and serves as the housing for the bearing. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate supporting means, reducing device complexity while maintaining stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sides of the rolling body are specially shaped for insertion into spaces, then the assembly fit is improved, but the rolling body thickness is reduced increasing the risk of bead-breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for special shaping of the rolling body sides by removing the intermediate spaces defined by separate flanges and supporting bodies. The rolling body is directly inserted into the one-piece supporting body without requiring thinning or special contouring, thereby maintaining full thickness and eliminating bead-breaking risk while achieving proper assembly fit.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of shaping the rolling body to fit into spaces created by multiple components, the invention inverts the approach by creating a continuous one-piece supporting body that naturally accommodates the rolling body without requiring modifications to the rolling body's thickness or shape.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If air chamber is created between rolling body and supporting means, then the noise reduction is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise-damping function into the one-piece supporting body itself, which is made of polymeric material with inherent damping properties. The air chamber concept is replaced by the continuous polymeric structure that provides noise reduction without requiring multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining noise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting body is made of polymeric material that combines structural support functions with noise-damping properties. This composite material approach eliminates the need for separate air chambers or additional damping components, achieving noise reduction while simplifying the overall device structure.
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 solution results in silent, durable, and easy-to-assemble wheels that eliminate the 'bead-breaking' phenomenon, reducing noise pollution and manufacturing costs while enhancing stability.
Implementation Method 1
The sides of the rolling body and the supporting body define the air chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The travel suitcase comprises: at least one container body for containing objects and/or clothes; at least one gripping element that can be grasped by a user for the movement of said suitcase; at least one wheel for pulling the suitcase on the ground, comprising: an external rolling body made of polymeric material and comprising two lateral sides and a joining portion; two annular flanges defining a support seat; wherein the lateral sides comprise two respective ending portions inserted in the support seat and placed in mutual contact to define an air chamber with the joining portion.