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Posted by Jeannie Choe | 4 Jan 2007
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Comments (8)
Emmanuel Laffon de Mazieres
Auriac sur Vendinelle, France
Featured Project : Zero Gramme
Emmanuel Laffon de Mazieres' Zero Gramme concept studies optimal weight distribution and operational ergonomics of rolling luggage. Larger wheels situated along the profile supply more stability and a wider range of maneuverability than traditional cases with smaller wheels at the wide edge of the base. The square shape balances weight at the center requiring only a near-effortless pull/guide action from the user.
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Comments
Having done luggage design, I question this concept. While beautiful in shape, the tendency for weight to pull it to one side or another is much greater than the current "smaller wheels at the wide edge of the base." Although this design would allow some ease of going down the aisle of an aircraft interior, the overall imbalance of use (for example, moving quickly through an airport) would render this design problematic.
Nice aesthetic, but opens the door to more problems than solutions.
-George
I think its an interesting idea, though I question the functionality of this config. Such a narrow placement of the wheels would make it very unstable. I know its a concept, but how do you get your stuff in there? I like the integration of the handle along its backside.
may be we are too busy designing but forgot to go out and look for existing products in the market.. there are these suitcases with 4 wheels. you don't need to do any tilting thing into a cool 45 degrees angle.. just slide it along by your normal walking posture.. very comfortable too by the way. http://www.luggagesource.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Shelf/ASP/Hierarchy/010Z.html
Hi!
Thanks for your comments and critics.
Actually, this is just a concept and I'm working to refine it and making it more realistic. About the narrow placement of the wheels, current luggages have the same and it's not a big deal. They are integrated into the doors, and they are independent so they doesn't interfere at all with the content.
As mentioned it boasts weightlessness but it's stability is definitely questionable. Another concern would be the dimpled sides, it just decreases the interior capacity as does the size of the wheels
I like the "concept" though I was wondering, how big can a suitcase be in order for the wheels to support it without the suitcase wobbling / tipping sideways? Would this idea work for large suitcases ( say example of 22 kg) or only for carry on size?
There are various solutions actually to manage weight and considering it is a carry on, you are most of the time not allowed to carry more then 8pds or roughly so) so the concept is nice but not very useful for such a small size.
What about the space that the wheels take inside the luggage? how did you manage to solve that as I know for a fact that many people despise having corners inside their luggage (especially carry on luggage..you are looking to maxise space)
And further, as this is a concept at this stage, did you manage to solve intricate issues as to the opening of the luggage as well as compartments?
What about rendering it in a darker color as white (especially when lugged in airports by the luggage handlers) would seem a bit impraticle and would give the suitcase nasty marks.
Overall i will say chapeau bas for the effort as suitcase design is one of the most difficult objects to redesign
Rita
I really like the way the handle has been integrated though
Hi everybody,
I see that my concept causes a lot of discussion and controverse... and maybe it is the purpose of that kind of concept. I'm not a luggage specialist at all and I designed this luggage about 3 years ago when I was at school.
I'm still working on this concept to make it more realistic and efficient, so obsiously it's not perfect yet. But I think though that I have developed some interesting features that are not very explored in luggage design until now :
- the weight balance is really optimized in a new, simple and unique solution.
- The wheels are totally integrated in the doors, so they don't interfere at all with the content and facilitate the access to the interior space (more renderings in progress). About stability, such luggages with wheels on the side already exists and are quite stable.
- The compact shape is optimized for being carried without precautions by airport people, for taking less place as possible, and protect the content efficiently.
- The aesthetics is quite new.
- I agree that the white/beige color is not the better color for a luggage but I like it.
- This is not a 3d exercise at all.
Thanks for all the comments and critics. I will keep this in mind for future development.
Idea
I definetly agree with this opinion on a suitcase with 4 WHEELS. I have used that kind of suitcase for some time and I must say it`s a really good solution. Sometimes when using it at the airports I feel like the suitcase is pulling me instead of me pulling it! So that`s the way.
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"may be we are too busy designing but forgot to go out and look for existing products in the market.. there are these suitcases with 4 wheels. you don't need to do any tilting thing into a cool 45 degrees angle.. just slide it along by your normal walking posture.. very comfortable too by the way. http://www.luggagesource.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Shelf/ASP/Hierarchy/010Z.html"