Telescopic Handle with Nickel Coating for Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic handles for suitcases are either too bulky, heavy, or lack durability for intense use, failing to provide a long operational life while maintaining compactness and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic handle design featuring a fixed and movable plate system with a locking mechanism, utilizing a control lever and elastic elements, and a nickel-coated construction for reduced friction and increased resistance, allowing for compact, lightweight, and sturdy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a telescopic handle is designed to be compact and lightweight, then the weight and volume are reduced, but the strength and durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of telescopic handleVSAvoidstrength and durability of telescopic handle
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic handle employs a composite construction with a nickel-coated base material. The nickel coating provides a hard, durable surface that resists wear and corrosion, while the underlying base material provides structural strength. This composite approach allows the handle to be both lightweight and highly durable, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies nickel coating to the telescopic handle components, which changes the surface properties and material characteristics. This coating process modifies the material parameters to achieve enhanced durability, resistance to mechanical stress, and corrosion protection, while maintaining the lightweight nature of the handle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a telescopic handle is designed to be sturdy and resistant, then the strength and durability are improved, but the weight and dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational life of telescopic handleVSAvoidweight of telescopic handle
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The use of nickel-coated materials provides a durable surface that resists wear and corrosion, significantly improving the operational life of the telescopic handle. The nickel coating creates a protective layer that maintains structural integrity under intense use conditions, achieving high reliability without requiring excessive material thickness or weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The nickel coating process changes the surface and material parameters of the handle components, providing enhanced resistance to mechanical stress and corrosion. This parameter change enables the handle to withstand intense use over a long period while maintaining a lightweight construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a locking system is added to control handle extension, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of extending and locking handleVSAvoidcomplexity of locking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the handle's position and user input. The system self-regulates the locking mechanism, requiring minimal user intervention while providing reliable locking function. This self-service approach simplifies operation without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking system uses an intermediary mechanism that translates simple user actions into reliable locking and unlocking functions. The intermediary components mediate between the user's input and the locking mechanism, providing ease of operation while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through efficient mechanical transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a compact, lightweight, and extremely durable telescopic handle that maintains sturdiness and resistance to mechanical and environmental stresses, ensuring a long operational life with reduced wear and corrosion.

Implementation Method 1

nickel-coated construction for reduced friction and increased resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

nickel-coated construction for reduced friction and increased resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrosion resistance: Crevice Corrosion

Data Source

PatentEP3653079B1Telescopic handle for a suitcase
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 FERRARI SPA
  • EP3653079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3653079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3653079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A telescopic handle (6) for a suitcase (1) having: a fixed plate (9), which is designed to be fixed to a rear wall (5) of the suitcase (1); a movable plate (10), which is coupled to the fixed plate (9) in a sliding manner; a grip (7), which is fixed to the movable plate (10), is "U"-shaped, and comprises a handle (11), which is connected to the movable plate (10) by means of two connection crosspieces (12), which are arranged at the opposite ends of the handle (11); and a locking system (13), which is designed to lock the sliding of the movable plate (10) relative to the fixed plate (9) when it reaches a contracted position and an extended position. The locking system (13) has a control lever (14), which is arranged inside the grip (7) between the two connection crosspieces (12) and is hinged to the two connection crosspieces (12) so as to rotate around a rotation axis (A), which is perpendicular to the sliding direction (D1).