Collapsible Suitcase
I have been working to tackle a lack of space and noticing that suitcases are the central example of this since they are large and are only used a couple of times a year. Thinking about how to give the space back, the idea of a collapsible suitcase naturally presents itself. Here I share some of my progress and documentation of my product development cycle for creating a fully functional quarter-sized model of the collapsable suitcase.
Collapsible Mechanism
Spent some time working with cardboard to learn about the best way to create a collapsible mechanism starting with just one of the sizes. I wanted to create as simple of a movement as possible for the user so that in one motion the suitcase can be collapsed. Researching some inspiration I was eventually inspired by collapsible strollers. It helped me start the progress on one of the sides of the suitcase. Moving from there I added a fan mechanism to hold up more of the fabric and created a second movement to further collapse the body.
Fabric
When researching the best fabric to use it was important to make sure it was reasonably stretchy, waterproof, and strong. This was because it was critical to reduce the number of points the fabric attached to the mechanical skeleton of the suitcase while making sure the fabric returns to the same places after opening and closing the structure. In the end, I chose a thick Nylon fabric and selected the points of attachment.
Lock Mechanism
Inspired by compliant mechanisms I worked to create one for the hook that would lock together the suitcase. The hook was on both sides of the suitcase and would work with an “on” and “off” method. This single locking point would have the strength to hold the rest of the structure together and I tested this through applying forces to the structure when the suitcase was expanded.
Compliant mechanism
