Vacuum Retention Case Structure for Impact-Protected Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipment cases, particularly for surfboards, are prone to damage during handling and transportation due to inadequate fit and protection from impact, temperature, humidity, and loss, and lack effective tracking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A case with a carbon fiber shell, insulating layers, dehumidifiers, GPS tracker, and a vacuum retention system to protect equipment from damage and track its location, featuring a latch with a pushbutton release mechanism, chamfered sides, and hexagonal edges for enhanced durability and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing equipment cases are used for transporting surfboards, then the cases are simple and easy to manufacture, but they provide inadequate protection against impact, temperature extremes, and humidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against impact, temperature, and humidityVSAvoidcase structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case employs a composite construction combining a carbon fiber shell for impact resistance, foam insulation layers for thermal protection, and a waterproof membrane for humidity protection. This multi-material composite structure resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive environmental protection while maintaining a unified case design that integrates these protective functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The case utilizes a nested structure where the waterproof membrane is positioned inside the foam insulation layer, which in turn is positioned inside the carbon fiber shell. This nested arrangement allows multiple protective functions to be integrated within concentric layers, providing enhanced protection without proportionally increasing external dimensions or manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If existing equipment cases are used, then the cases have simple closure mechanisms, but they lack effective tracking mechanisms and security features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment tracking and securityVSAvoidclosure and tracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case integrates multiple functions into unified components: the closure system simultaneously provides mechanical security through latches and GPS tracking through integrated sensors, while the waterproof membrane provides both environmental protection and a substrate for mounting electronic components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining security and tracking features without adding separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the closure mechanism with tracking and security features by integrating GPS receivers, sensors, and control electronics into the closure system housing. This consolidation allows the closure system to serve both mechanical fastening and electronic monitoring functions, reducing the need for separate tracking devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If existing equipment cases are used, then the cases have basic structural design, but they are prone to damage during handling and transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to damage during handlingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon fiber shell provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and impact resistance, while the foam insulation layer provides cushioning against shocks and vibrations. This composite material system achieves superior damage resistance during handling and transportation while using commercially available materials and established manufacturing processes for each layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The foam insulation layer serves as a pre-installed cushioning system between the carbon fiber shell and the equipment contents. This beforehand cushioning protects equipment from impact and vibration during handling and transportation, resolving the contradiction by providing damage protection through a permanently integrated cushioning layer that requires no additional assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 case provides robust protection against impact, temperature extremes, and humidity while ensuring equipment security and tracking, reducing the risk of loss and damage during shipping and transport.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum retention system operable to evacuate air from the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

container with vertical walls with solid welds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS20260016264A1Vacuum retention system container having vertical walls with solid welds

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 GSTC LLC

AI summary

A protective container is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a bag including one or more retaining elements, wherein the retaining elements include a plurality of microbeads and at least one vacuum port. A vacuum pump is able to withdraw air from within the retaining elements to compress the microbeads around an object within the container, creating a conforming and protective fit around the object.