Back Support Device for Battery Access Without Full Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backpack devices for battery packs require complete removal for battery replacement, leading to potential health issues such as muscle tension and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A backpack device with a strap adjustment mechanism allowing the battery pack holder to be moved from a back position to a hip position without removing the backpack, utilizing a shoulder strap that remains load-bearing and featuring a safety folding clasp for adjustable extension, along with a secondary battery pack receptacle on a pivotable cover flap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the battery pack holder is fixed in a back position, then the backpack structure is simple and stable, but battery replacement requires complete removal of the backpack device causing muscle tension and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery replacement convenienceVSAvoidmuscle tension and discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack holder is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a back position and a hip position through the strap adjustment device. This allows the holder to move from a fixed back-mounted configuration to a hip-mounted configuration, enabling battery replacement without complete backpack removal and thereby reducing muscle tension and discomfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the battery pack holder is made movable to enable replacement without removal, then user comfort improves, but the carrying strap unit becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery replacement convenienceVSAvoidstrap adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap adjustment device serves multiple functions: it adjusts the shoulder strap length, repositions the battery pack holder between back and hip positions, and maintains load-bearing capability throughout the adjustment range. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the shoulder strap remains load-bearing during position adjustment, then load distribution is maintained and user comfort improves, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution and comfortVSAvoidload-bearing adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder strap maintains its load-bearing function continuously throughout the adjustment process. The strap adjustment device is designed to keep the strap engaged and load-bearing while allowing length and position changes, ensuring uninterrupted load distribution and user comfort without requiring complete detachment and reattachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of operation

If the battery pack holder is positioned in the upper third of the backpack, then ease of access improves, but stability and load distribution are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery accessVSAvoidbackpack stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the battery pack holder in the upper third for accessibility, the invention utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the backpack by allowing the holder to be repositioned to the hip position (lower third). This dimensional relocation maintains stability and proper load distribution while still enabling easy battery replacement through the adjustable strap mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4373349B1Back support device
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 HILTI AG
  • EP4373349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4373349B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device that is to be worn on the back, comprising a carrying strap unit and a rechargeable battery pack receptacle that is attached thereto for receiving a rechargeable battery pack for supplying energy to a hand-held electric apparatus, wherein the carrying strap unit has a strap adjustment device, by which a shoulder strap of the carrying strap unit can be adjusted such that the rechargeable battery pack receptacle can be brought from a position on the back to a position at the hip, the shoulder strap remaining at least in some sections on a shoulder of the user for dissipating the load.