1. Introduction

Background

In 2017, the global luggage market was valued at approximately 19.4 billion U.S. dollars. And the Global Luggage market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period (2019 - 2024). (source: Statistica, MordorIntelligence)

When travelling long distance and long time, the baggage can be very heavy, especially when we have to carry the suitcase upstairs. There are some new inventions on the market to address the problem right now, but the applicability of them needs further investigations. Besides, the products could be very costly, and few of them have the ability to climb stairs.

Your Task

How can we handle this problem? Now it's your turn to design a suitcase which could be carried along easily. Is there any other function you can think of to add to it?

Design Elements suggested:

• GPS and Bluetooth installed, connected to APP on the phone
• Automatic alarm when bluetooth signal disappears
• track design to climb the stairs
• Detachable batteries
• Affordable price

2. Guidelines for students

1. The teacher will divide you into a small group of 4-5 students each.
2. Each group should learn from references or search papers on the Internet to learn some basic knowledge while every team member should show enough motivation and participation.
3. Discuss any problem that is relevant to the subject and think of the solutions.
4. Document the plan of your work process and your division of labor.
5. Be happy and relaxed when you are faced with some challenges.
6. Arrange regular update meetings between the team to make sure everyone is heard and on the same page.
7. Prepare for your presentation through collaboration.
8. After the presentation, refine your work based on feedback.

note: this table is only for your reference, you can modify it according to your plans, it is not obligatory to stipulate to the table.

3. Expectations & Requirement

Expectations:

1. Clarify the problem addressed properly, explain why your idea is innovative from the rest of the ideas, and form a clear word document illustrating the problem
2. Communicate with users( after you have clarified your target users), your peers, professionals and etc.
3. Do market research on the product that you want to design, and investigate the market size of your potential market. Make sure you deliver a thorough profitablity report of how your product is actually needed in the market and can product any profits.
4. Make a prototype of your product if possible, and show it with animation, videos, etc. to your classroom
5. Refine with feedback consistently
6. Deliver a clearly-stated presentation in front of the whole class

Requirements:

Factors considered for grading:

1. Innovativeness - your idea is original and creative
2. Real life connection - your idea is meant to solve a real life problem and there is a market for your product to be successful
3. Core to learning - you show a degree of academic rigour and learn something new
4. Collaboration - good teamwork and active participation of every member, also seek help when necessary from other classmates, teachers, professionals, etc.
5. A tangible product - you devise a tangible prototype or sample machine for a presentation
6. Peer Assessment - receive valuable feedback from your classmates within the team and out of the team
7. Self Assessment - evaluate your own ideas and contribution

Grading Sheet:

note: if you have any problem with the grading sheet, please contact the teacher

4. Additionals

COWAROBOT R1: The First Robotic Suitcase

90FUN Puppy 1 - Self balance & Auto follow Suitcase

5. Examples

Description of our ideas :

Nowadays, the trolley cases are bigger and heavier, which makes people difficult to drag them and hold them going upstairs. The idea we presented is a novel trolley case that can walk and go upstairs automatically. The thought to make trolley cases walk automatically has occurred before. However, the idea we presented makes trolley cases more convenient. We use caterpillar track instead of wheels, which makes it easier to go upstairs or downstairs. We also utilize solar energy to make this product environmental and economical. Furthermore, we can add some other functions (sometimes when it’s sunny or rainy, it can open an umbrella itself to protect people from the sunshine or the heavy rain.) if necessary. Therefore, we think this kind of trolley case will convenient and multi-functional.

Pictures:

​​Fig1. Structure of the suitcase

Fig2. Concept map

Fig3. Removable battery

Fig4. Auto-following

Fig5. Theory of avoidance

Fig6. Examples of avoidance

Fig7. Sketch map of sensors

Fig8. System of sensors

Basic steps to make the product:

1. Computer version

2. Control theory

3. Wireless connection

4. Solar technology

Depending on these basic theories, we can make the trolley case follow our steps without collision. Besides, the trolley case can absorb, store and consume solar energy. Then we do not need to use another type energy to make this “machine” run, which makes this product environmental and economical.

Our Presentation Video