X1 18 Inch Cabin Atopa'u Modular by James Zheng

X1 18 Inch Cabin Atopa'u Modular by James Zheng is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award Apamemea in Mamanu Mea Fa'aopoopo Competition Category.

ApamemeaMea Fa'aopoopo· 2023

X1 18 Inch Cabin Atopa'u Modular

by James Zheng

Client: Pitaka

A' Design Award Apamemea Winner in Mea Fa'aopoopo 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 Atopa'u Modular

O le tele o tagata faimalaga o loʻo ola i se olaga gafataulimaina, ma o loʻo latou faia le mea sili latou te mafaia e faʻaitiitia ai lo latou aʻafiaga i le siosiomaga i aso nei. Ae o atopaʻu e le tusa ai ma o latou manaʻoga. Afai e leaga se tasi vaega o le ato, e masani lava e leai se mea e mafai ona latou faia ae lafoai. O atopa'u X1 modular e mafai ai e tagata ona sui pe toe fa'aleleia le vaega ua fa'aleagaina i meafaigaluega ua saunia, ina ia fa'aitiitia ai otaota. E le gata i lea, o le mamanu faʻapitoa o lona uiga o le atopaʻu e mafai ona faʻapitoa.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Apamemea

O le A' Design Award Apamemea na manumalo ai X1 18 Inch Cabin Atopa'u Modular, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu ese e iloga i le fatufatuaʻi, le atamai ma le poto. O ē manumalo i le Apamemea o mea e iai le tomai atoa ma fatufatuaʻi mataʻina e faamaonia ai le poto masani tele, le mafaufau ma le atamai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina X1 18 Inch Cabin Atopa'u Modular e avea ma mea e vivii tele, ua pelepelea, e iloga i le tomai faapolofesa ma mea fou. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Apamemea e tuufaatasia ai faiga sili i le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi ma e sili ona lelei i le mataituina o mea itiiti. X1 18 Inch Cabin Atopa'u Modular e faamalieina matagofie manaʻoga, pa i manaʻo, faalataina lagona ma faaosofia le fia iloa.

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