Articulating Load Distribution System for Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load distribution systems, such as vests and backpacks, primarily bear weight on the shoulders and back, leading to physical distress, limited mobility, and potential injuries, as they do not effectively redistribute the load to other parts of the body.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing frame architecture featuring an upper back-plate with shoulder supports, an articulating spine with compressible discs, and a lower back-plate connected to a hip-mounted belt, allowing weight distribution across the shoulders and hips, enabling more flexible user movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional vests and backpacks are used to carry heavy loads, then the load can be supported, but the weight is predominantly borne by the shoulders and back causing physical distress and limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The load distribution system is segmented into multiple independent components: an upper back-plate, an articulating spine with multiple vertebrae, compressible discs, and a lower back-plate. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to user movement while distributing load across multiple body regions, resolving the contradiction between load capacity and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating spine incorporates movable joints and compressible discs between vertebrae, transforming the static load-bearing structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to user movement. This dynamic design allows the system to maintain load distribution while accommodating various user motions, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional vests and backpacks are used to carry heavy loads, then the load can be supported, but physical distress and potential injuries occur due to concentrated weight on shoulders and back
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the load-bearing function across multiple segmented components that contact different body regions. The upper back-plate, articulating spine, and lower back-plate distribute the load to multiple attachment points on the user's body, preventing concentration of weight on single areas and reducing physical distress.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the system provide specialized local support: the upper back-plate supports shoulder and upper back load, the articulating spine with compressible discs provides cervical and thoracic support, and the lower back-plate with hip-mounted belt provides lumbar and hip support. This localized quality distribution reduces overall physical distress.
3Weight of moving object
If load-bearing structures like backpacks strap to the user's waist and shoulders, then the load can be distributed, but movement is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating spine with its movable joints and compressible discs creates a dynamic load distribution system that adapts to user movement. Unlike rigid strap-based systems, this dynamic structure maintains load distribution while allowing the user to move freely, thereby resolving the contradiction between load distribution and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible discs between vertebrae change their compression state based on user movement and load conditions. This parameter change allows the system to maintain effective load distribution while accommodating various degrees of user movement, preventing mobility inhibition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system reduces user fatigue and enhances mobility by distributing the load more evenly across the body, providing a more comfortable and less restrictive way to carry heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
Compressible discs are provided having a bore adapted to reside between the proximal end and distal end of each vertebra
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment of apparatus an upper back-plate includes shoulder supports and a connector. The apparatus also includes an articulating spine adapted to connect to the upper back-plate connector. The articulating spine includes a plurality of vertebra. Each vertebra a longitudinal bore. Some vertebra is adapted to mate with another vertebra Compressible discs are provided having a bore adapted to reside on each vertebra. A lower back-plate includes a receiving portion adapted to one end of the articulating spine. A chord interconnects each vertebra by insertion of the chord through the vertebrae bores, a bore in the upper back-plate, and a bore in a lower back-plate. The lower back-plate is adapted to connect to a hip mounted belt. Other embodiments are provided that include apparatuses and systems having features similar to the system described above.