X1 18 Inch Cabin 模块化手提箱 by James Zheng is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award 铜奖 in 时尚与旅行配饰设计 Competition Category.

铜配饰· 2023

X1 18 Inch Cabin 模块化手提箱

by James Zheng

Client: Pitaka

A' Design Award 铜奖 Winner in 配饰 Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #145149

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The Design

About X1 18 Inch Cabin 模块化手提箱

越来越多的旅行者过着可持续的生活方式，他们正在尽最大努力减少对环境的影响。但行李却违背了他们的意愿。如果行李的某一部分损坏，通常他们无能为力，只能丢弃。模块化X1行李箱允许人们使用提供的工具更换或修复损坏的部件，从而减少浪费。此外，模块化设计意味着行李箱可以高度定制。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 铜奖

X1 18 Inch Cabin 模块化手提箱是 A' Design Award 铜奖得主，这是授予以创造力、独创性和敏锐见长的杰出设计的极具声望的认可。铜奖得主是技艺娴熟、创意惊人的作品，印证了其设计师丰富的经验、想象力与机智。预计X1 18 Inch Cabin 模块化手提箱将成为一件备受推崇、令人钦佩且被珍爱的物品，兼具显著的专业性与创新性。这件赢得 A' Design Award 铜奖的设计融入艺术、科学、设计和技术领域的最佳实践，并因注重细节而出类拔萃。X1 18 Inch Cabin 模块化手提箱出色地满足需求，触动渴望，迷住情感，并吸引好奇心。

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