Trolley Case Frame with Composite Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trolley cases are typically heavier due to the inclusion of a retractable handle mechanism, making them less lightweight and more costly to transport, while maintaining strength and stability remains a design challenge.
Innovation Solution
A trolley case design featuring a fibre-reinforced composite material frame with an open framework, edge protectors, and a reinforcing panel to reduce weight and enhance stability, eliminating the need for additional components like moulded handles and anchoring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable handle mechanism is included in the trolley case, then the case can be easily manoeuvred and pulled, but the case weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional moulded handle structure and its anchoring system from the case design. The retractable handle mechanism is integrated directly into the frame structure, eliminating the need for separate handle components and their attachment hardware, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining manoeuvrability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism is merged with the frame structure itself. The frame members are configured to directly support and guide the retractable handle, combining the structural support function with the handle mechanism function, eliminating redundant components and reducing weight
2Weight of moving object
If the case is made lighter by reducing structural elements, then weight decreases, but strength and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for the frame members that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The frame is constructed from materials that maintain structural integrity and stability while being significantly lighter than traditional solid plastic or metal constructions, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple interconnected members that work together to provide structural support. This segmented approach allows for optimized material distribution, placing material only where structurally necessary, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining strength and stability
3Ease of operation
If additional components like moulded handles and anchoring systems are added, then handle functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle mechanism is integrated with the frame structure, merging multiple functions into unified components. The frame members serve both as structural support and as guide rails for the retractable handle, eliminating the need for separate anchoring systems and reducing overall component count and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, guiding the retractable handle, and serving as mounting points for other case components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining full handle functionality
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 design achieves significant weight savings of up to 1 kg compared to similar-sized competitors, maintaining strength and stability, and reducing the overall mass of the case while enhancing durability and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the elongate frame members are formed of a fibre-reinforced composite material, such as a glass-fibre or carbon-fibre composite, which provides relatively high-strength and low weight
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a luggage item, and more particularly to a trolley case (1) for carrying personal items during travel. The trolley case (1) of the invention comprises a frame (2); a flexible outer shell (3) which substantially covers the frame (2) to form a main body (4) of the case; roller means (11) attached to the main body and configured for rolling the case across a surface; and a handle mechanism (12) movable between a retracted position and an extended position for pulling the case on the roller means (11) when the handle mechanism (12) is in the extended position. In one aspect, the frame (2) comprises a plurality of elongate members (13) which are interconnected in an open framework that substantially defines a storage volume (V) within the main body (4) of the case. In another aspect, the case (1) further comprises an edge protector (32) having a guard member (33), that at least partially covers the outer shell (3) at an edge region of a base (8) of the case to protect the outer shell at the lower edge region, and at least one connector member (30, 35) that extends through the outer shell (3) for rigid attachment to the frame (2) of the case. The at least one connector member (30) of the edge protector (32) may be configured to receive and secure a lower end of an elongate support element (27) of the retractable handle mechanism (12) inside the outer shell (3).