Integrated Vacuum Compression System for Travel Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel bags face limitations such as one-time use of external clothing compression bags, loss of vacuum compression benefits when opened, impracticality of carrying separate vacuums, and increased luggage fees due to weight and space constraints, especially on return trips.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, portable, and reusable integrated vacuum compression system within travel bags, powered by a rechargeable battery, which includes a vacuum pump, a compression bag, and a compression connection system with back check valves for airtight sealing, allowing for efficient packing and unpacking of clothing without external vacuum sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If external compression bags are used, then space saving is achieved, but reusability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum pump, battery, and compression bag into an integrated system where the pump is positioned within the bag structure. This merging allows the compression function to be reused multiple times while maintaining volume reduction benefits, as the entire system travels together and can be reactivated during the trip.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions: it provides initial compression at the destination, can be reactivated for recompression during travel, and the battery can potentially power other electronic devices. This multi-functionality enhances reusability while maintaining the space-saving compression capability.
2Reliability
If separate vacuums are carried, then compression capability is maintained, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump is nested within the compression bag structure, with the pump housing integrated into the bag walls. The battery is positioned within the pump housing or adjacent compartments. This nesting eliminates the need for separate vacuum equipment, maintaining compression reliability while significantly improving portability by consolidating all components into a single travel-sized unit.
3Ease of operation
If compression bags are opened, then accessibility is improved, but vacuum compression benefit is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs compression action in advance at the destination before the traveler needs to access items. The bag is sealed and compressed, providing space savings during the trip. When items need to be accessed, the bag is opened temporarily, items are removed or added, then the seal is resealed and the pump reactivated to restore compression, thereby preserving the compression benefit after accessibility needs are met.
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
Enables more efficient packing of clothing by maintaining compression until the bag is opened, allowing for reuse and reducing luggage fees by integrating the vacuum system within the travel bag, thus addressing the limitations of external compression bags and separate vacuums.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum motor with an intake port for suction and evacuation of air from the compression bag
Implementation Method 2
powered by a rechargeable battery (hereafter 'battery') which may be removed from the travel bag
Implementation Method 3
one or more back check valves and one or more air tight connections between the vacuum and the compression bag
Data Source
AI summary
Various types of travel bags are provided with at least one portable self-contained vacuum compression system having a portable vacuum pump powered by a portable, preferably removable, rechargeable battery, a compression connection system, and a vacuum compression bag secured within the interior space of the travel bag. The portable self-contained vacuum compression system allows the user to pack more clothing or compressible goods into their travel bag via the use of vacuum compression. The air inside the compression bag can be evacuated by the attached self-contained vacuum pump assembly which is secured within the travel bag in a manner to hold the self-contained vacuum system within the travel bag's internal dimensions in one embodiment. The vacuum compression system can be held in place via a removable or a fixed frame that permits operation of the vacuum compression system within the internal dimensions of the travel bag. The vacuum pump can exhaust vented air either to the atmosphere within the travel bag or via an exhaust vent built into the travel bag. The compression bag can be attached to the vacuum system via a compression connection system or fastener having a back flow check valve which permits the one way flow of air from the compression bag into the vacuum pump system and also provides a seating and sealing function of the compression bag connected with the vacuum pump to maintain the air tightness between the vacuum compression bag and the vacuum pump system. The clothing or other compressed goods can remain in their compressed state within the travel bag until such time that the user opens the compression bag which will release the vacuum seal and permits the user to access the contents of the vacuum compression bag. The fully portable and reusable characteristics of the self-contained vacuum compression system will permit the user to remove some or all of the travel bag contents and to recompress the remaining or replaced travel bag contents.