X1 18 Inch Cabin A Maleta Modular by James Zheng

X1 18 Inch Cabin A Maleta Modular by James Zheng is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award de Bronce in Deseño de Accesorios de Moda e Viaxe Competition Category.

BronceAccesorio· 2023

X1 18 Inch Cabin A Maleta Modular

by James Zheng

Client: Pitaka

A' Design Award de Bronce Winner in Accesorio Category

34,951

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #145149

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About X1 18 Inch Cabin A Maleta Modular

Máis viaxeiros viven un estilo de vida sostible e están a facer o mellor posible para minimizar o seu impacto sobre o medio ambiente. Pero a equipaxe vai contra a súa vontade. Se unha parte da equipaxe está danada, normalmente non poden facer máis que abandonala. A equipaxe modular X1 permite ás persoas substituír ou reparar a parte danada con ferramentas proporcionadas, para reducir os residuos. Ademais, o deseño modular significa que a maleta pode ser altamente personalizada.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronce

X1 18 Inch Cabin A Maleta Modular gañou o A' Design Award de Bronce, un recoñecemento altamente prestixioso outorgado a deseños sobresaíntes que se distinguen pola creatividade, o enxeño e a sagacidade. Os gañadores Bronce son artefactos amplamente hábiles e sorprendentemente creativos que autentican a vasta experiencia, imaxinación e enxeño dos seus deseñadores. Espérase que X1 18 Inch Cabin A Maleta Modular sexa un obxecto moi apreciado, admirado e querido, notablemente profesional e innovador. Este deseño gañador do A' Design Award de Bronce incorpora as mellores prácticas da arte, a ciencia, o deseño e a tecnoloxía, e é excelente pola súa atención ao detalle. X1 18 Inch Cabin A Maleta Modular satisfai espléndidamente as necesidades, toca os desexos, encanta os sentimentos e atrae a curiosidade.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: X1 18 Inch Cabin redefines suitcases by solving the problem that suitcases can’t be repaired and are not highly customized.The modular carbon fiber suitcase allows customers to replace or repair the damaged parts with provided tools instead of throwing the suitcase away. In addition,molecular recycling technology is applied to produce recyclable carbon fiber composite materials and circular technology to promote sustainable design so that a closed loop production system is possible.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimension : L 440mm x W 245mm x H 393mm / H 1035mm（with handle stretch length） Weight : 5kg
Tags: PITAKA, carbon fiber, suitcase, luggage, travel, trip, modular design, check-in, carry-on luggage, sustainability
Production Technology: X1 has a hard shell made of magnesium alloy using semi-solid injection molding technology and covered by carbon fiber. It uses a vegan leather cover to secure belongings. The luggage will be assembled by hand piece by piece, like cars. And its modular structure allows for easy repair and replacement. In addition, we use molecular recycling technology to make recycled/recyclable carbon fiber composite materials and use circular technology to promote sustainable design so that a closed-loop production system is possible.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge we encountered was combining different materials in the modular-structured suitcase. It’s tricky to keep the carbon fiber fabric in good shape while integrating it with the magnesium alloy frame. We spent a lot of time and effort working with other companies to develop molecular recycling technology to create recyclable carbon fiber. We had to make sure the leather cover is smooth and comfortable to touch and could stand upright. And we tried many processes to reduce the weight of the metal frame without compromising durability.
Research: Some of our designers and product managers are regular business travelers. They noticed that most luggage nowadays look and work alike. And if a small part is damaged, the luggage becomes useless, which is definitely not good for the environment and doesn’t meet people’s demand for a sustainable lifestyle. So they visited some luggage factories, did tons of marketing research, and came up with modular luggage.
Inspiration: Luggage or suitcases has become a daily accessory. But in recent years, we rarely saw any innovation in the suitcase industry. On the other hand, people’s demand for a suitcase has changed.PITAKA, a pioneer in using innovative technology and new materials, wants to provide a simple, refined, environmentally friendly, and fashionable travel solution to serve humanity as we always do.
Project Duration: The project was conceptualized in 2021 and the initial product prototype was made in April 2022; it will be launched in December 2022.
Operation Flow: X1 has separate compartments to store different items for different purposes. The interior folio can hold laptops and tablets and be removed for a quick airport security check. The magnetic leather cover allows easy access to items inside the luggage. Thus, you can easily organize or take your items from the luggage to avoid awkward moments when you travel. The 360-degree large spinner wheels and the rotatable airplane throttle-like handle ensure a smooth ride and effortless maneuverability.
Patents: Patented:Appearance design
Patent No:2022302922358
Patent Holder:PITAKA
Year:2022
Jurisdiction:Subject to the six views of the appearance
Team Members: James ZHENG Min HUANG Senzhao LU
Image Credits: PITAKA