Rhita 持続可能性スーツケース

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Rhita with Innovative hinge system designed, highlighting the suitcase with unique installation method, reduced 70% amount of parts to simplify the structure and downsized 33% of each freight volume, no glue or rivet for fixation, no sewing of the inner lining, giving the most space inside and quick fasten and loosen wheel mechanism, makes it totally easy assemble for use and disassemble to repair or recycle, eventually extend product life cycle. All parts can be purchase individually, for customizing own suitcase, or parts replacement, no returning suitcase to repair center needed, saves time and reduce shipping carbon footprint.

Dimensions & Packaging

Depth390mm x Height350mm x Width730mm

Tags

Suitcase, Structure, Sustainability, Assembly, Disassembly, Maintenance

Production Technology

Main Material: PP
Size: 24inch
Lock: 3 point lock with TSA function on the big central lock.
Wheels Type: Double wheels for smooth rolling.

Design Challenge

To take both sturdy and easy disassembly into account, the design of structure must satisfy both. More than that,3D printing cannot reach the strength of plastic and tenacity are different too. By adjusting data repeatedly, the team tried and made many mistakes and finally came up with a good solution.

Research

Type of research: Sustainable structure and materials of suitcase. Research Objectives: Create a sustainability suitcase, designed for assembly and disassembly. Methodology: Suitcase type analysis, Suitcase material analysis, Suitcase recycle status analysis. Data Collection: market research of usage scenario, hobbies, frequency of us and repair willingness. Research tools: Solid Works, Rhino, Keyshot. Impact: Disrupted the traditional way of suitcase manufacturing. Result: Provide a sustainability suitcase to benefit the world.

Inspiration

Suitcase were in great demand by global travelers, and the design are mainly on multi-function and sturdy, but also makes it difficult to recycle when discarded, every year hundred thousand of discarded luggage cause by damaged wheels, handles, shells or shells that are deformed or damaged by collision, hard to be repaired or disassemble for recycle, bringing great impact to the environment. Hence, design for assembly and disassembly allows the suitcase easy to repair or recycle, reduced parts by simplifying the structure and minimized material used, downsize of shipping volume to decrease carbon footprint boosting sustainability.

Project Duration

The project began in July 2019 and was completed in Tainan, Taiwan in March 2020.

Operation Flow

By simplifying the structure, reducing parts quantity, design for assembly and disassembly of the suitcase, makes it easier to be repaired and recycled. Hence, users will be able and easy to install the suitcase by themselves, and also to replace damage parts. Users can purchase parts separately and select specific color of the parts that personalize the suitcase. All in all, the suitcase product life-cycle to be extended, and when it comes to the end of the suitcase mission, still can be easy to recycle, making this suitcase designed truly sustainable wise.

Patents

Patent Pending

Image Credits

ChunYu Pan
Yun Cheng
JhenJia Yang