Waterproof Soft Bag Structure With Rigid Endcaps and Bottom Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft bags, such as duffle-style bags, lack effective waterproof and airtight features, and struggle with durability and comfort during various carrying positions, especially when used for outdoor activities.
Innovation Solution
A soft-sided bag with a waterproof and airtight closure, reinforced panels, adjustable straps, and padding for comfort, allowing versatile carrying options including backpack and hand carry configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft fabric materials are used for the bag, then the bag is flexible and comfortable to carry, but the bag lacks waterproof and airtight features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a waterproof membrane or laminate layer integrated within the soft fabric construction of the bag. This flexible barrier maintains the soft, comfortable carry experience while providing the necessary waterproof and airtight protection against water and air penetration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bag is designed for versatile carrying positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable strap systems that allow the bag to be dynamically reconfigured between multiple carrying positions (shoulder carry, backpack, hand carry). The straps can be detached, reattached, and repositioned to accommodate different user needs without requiring complex permanent structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag design integrates multiple carrying configurations into a single bag structure through universal attachment points and versatile strap arrangements. This allows one bag to serve multiple functions and carrying styles without requiring separate specialized bags for each carrying position.
3Reliability
If the closure is made airtight and waterproof, then the protection of contents is improved, but the ease of operation for opening and closing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closure mechanism with a waterproof membrane that acts as an intermediary between the user and the sealed contents. The closure system (such as a waterproof zipper or roll-top mechanism with seal) allows easy user operation while maintaining the airtight and waterproof barrier when closed, resolving the conflict between ease of access and protection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example bag may include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The bottom wall may include an outer layer, and the bottom wall may be secured to the first sidewall and the second sidewall by wrapping a fabric forming the first sidewall and the second sidewall over sections of the outer layer. The bag may further include a closure and a pair of straps. The first sidewall and the second sidewall may include endcaps having a first layered structure, the first layered structure may include a compression molded outer layer and an additional structural layer formed of a first foam material, and the endcaps may be more rigid than the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the top wall. The bottom wall may include a second layered structure formed of a second foam material positioned on the outer layer, and the bottom wall may be more rigid than the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the top wall.