Waterproof Suitcase with Integrated Hinge Latch and Trolley Handle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Suitcases often suffer damage and moisture ingress during travel, and existing designs lack effective protection for contents and ease of movement.
Innovation Solution
A suitcase design featuring a durable, waterproof structure with a base and lid configuration, including a latch assembly, hinge system, and extendable trolley handle, where the base and lid are connected by hinges with linkages and wheel assemblies for easy movement, and a sealing mechanism to prevent water entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional suitcase design is used, then the structure is simple, but the suitcase suffers damage and moisture ingress during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The suitcase is divided into a base and a lid as separate components that can be hinged together, allowing each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and protection
Solution Approach 2:
The shell structures of both the base and lid are formed from composite materials, providing enhanced durability, damage resistance, and moisture protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall design
2Reliability
If a durable and waterproof structure is implemented, then protection against damage and moisture is improved, but the weight of the suitcase increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses shell structures with integrated sealing mechanisms that provide waterproof protection through design geometry and gasket systems rather than through heavy material selection, maintaining lighter weight while achieving durability and moisture resistance
3Reliability
If a latch assembly is added to secure the lid, then the security and protection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is integrated with the hinge system, combining the closing and latching functions into a unified mechanism that reduces overall complexity while maintaining secure closure of the lid to the base
4Ease of operation
If wheel assemblies and trolley handle are added, then ease of movement is improved, but the weight and complexity of the suitcase increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suitcase incorporates an extendable trolley handle that can be deployed when needed and retracted when not in use, along with wheel assemblies that provide smooth movement, optimizing ease of operation while minimizing added weight through selective deployment of features
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A suitcase having a base and a lid where the lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching assemblies is disclosed. The lid may comprise an upper shell, and the base may comprise a lower shell. The upper shell and the lower shell may be seamlessly formed to create a water resistant and/or waterproof suitcase. The suitcase may have an extendable trolley handle assembly that is externally attached to the base of the suitcase. The trolley handle assembly may comprise a pair of extrusion assemblies that are connected to the base of the suitcase and connected to each other by a grip. The suitcase may also have a removably secured interior liner.