Waterproof Suitcase with Segmented Shell and Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suitcases often suffer damage and moisture ingress during travel, and existing designs lack effective protection for contents and durability, especially when used for transporting clothing and other items.
Innovation Solution
A suitcase design featuring a durable and waterproof structure with a base and lid connected by hinges, incorporating an extendable trolley handle assembly and a sealing mechanism to prevent water entry, along with a contoured shape to protect components from impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional suitcase design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the suitcase suffers damage and moisture ingress during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The suitcase is divided into multiple shell structures (first shell structure with first and second sides, second shell structure with third and fourth sides) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall structural integrity and protection against damage and moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple materials with different properties to construct the suitcase shells and components. The first and second shell structures use materials providing durability and impact resistance, while additional sealing materials prevent moisture ingress. This composite approach enhances reliability without excessive complexity increase.
2Reliability
If a durable and waterproof structure is implemented, then protection for contents is improved, but the weight of the suitcase increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin film sealing structures and flexible shell designs that provide waterproof protection without adding significant weight. The sealing mechanism between the first and second shell structures employs thin sealing films that prevent moisture ingress while maintaining lightweight characteristics essential for travel.
3Strength
If multiple shell structures with offset surfaces are used, then durability and impact protection are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the suitcase into separate first and second shell structures with defined offset relationships, the patent allows each component to be manufactured independently to standard tolerances. The offset configuration (second outward facing surface offset from first outward facing surface) creates inherent impact protection while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly rather than requiring single-piece high-precision manufacturing.
Data Source
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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 using a plurality of mounting clips. 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.