Backpack Frame System with Flexible Membrane for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backpack designs, whether external or internal frame, fail to provide a modular system that effectively transfers loads to the user's body while being resistant to impact and stable, as they often concentrate stress, lead to material failure, and lack flexibility in accommodating different user profiles and load shapes.
Innovation Solution
A backpack frame system featuring a latticework of semi-rigid support members within flexible sleeves and a membrane, with an adjustable yoke and hip belt, allowing for modular pack bags and load carriers, and incorporating flexible connections to absorb impact and conform to the user's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame design is used to support the weight of the backpack, then the frame can securely hold bulky or heavy contents, but impact forces create stress concentrations that tend to tear or fracture the pack bag material at connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid frame members with flexible membrane material that can deform under impact loads. The membrane is stretched across the frame structure and can absorb impact forces through elastic deformation, preventing stress concentrations at connection points while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible membrane approach allows the pack bag to remain attached without tearing or fracturing under impact conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the frame structure from rigid to flexible by using membrane material instead of rigid materials. This parameter change allows the frame to dynamically respond to impact forces through elastic deformation, transforming the way loads are transmitted through the structure and preventing stress concentrations that would otherwise cause material failure.
2Strength
If an external frame backpack is used to securely hold bulky or heavy contents, then the frame can provide structural support, but the connections between pack bag and frame are prone to fractures and tearing when the frame is under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible membrane material to replace rigid connection points between the pack bag and frame. The membrane can deform elastically under stress, absorbing impact forces and preventing the kind of fractures and tearing that occur with rigid connections. This flexible connection system maintains structural support while improving connection reliability under load.
3Ease of operation
If an internal frame backpack is used to allow the load to conform to the user's back profile, then stresses on the user's body are reduced, but the frame components become distorted from their original shape under the weight and shape of the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible membrane material that can deform under load to conform to the user's body profile, providing comfort similar to internal frame designs. However, unlike rigid internal frames that become permanently distorted, the membrane returns to its original shape through elastic recovery, maintaining frame shape stability while still allowing necessary deformation for user comfort.
4Strength
If a rigid frame design is used, then the frame can provide stable structural support, but the load is placed laterally farther away from the user's center of gravity, creating instability
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane frame can deform to accommodate different load configurations and user body shapes, allowing the load to be positioned more closely to the user's center of gravity. This flexibility enables better weight distribution and improves stability while maintaining structural support capabilities.
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
The system provides active load stabilization, easy adjustment for different users, improved impact resistance, and the ability to carry awkwardly shaped loads, while reducing stress concentrations and enhancing comfort by distributing load tension uniformly.
Implementation Method 1
This connection allows for increased flexure without permanent deformation or yield of the frame system to properly conform to a user's body profile under loading and absorb impact loads incident upon the support members.
Implementation Method 2
An adjustable yoke is coupled with the membrane and a hip belt attached to the sleeves of the vertical support members and/or the membrane to enable loads carried by the support members to be transferred to the user's body.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention involves the provision of a backpack frame assembly and associated load carrying devices. The backpack frame includes a plurality of stays having flexible joints therebetween. A membrane is secured to certain of the stays and helps resist flexing of joints between adjacent stay end portions. Load carrying devices may be provided and are releasably mounted to the frame assembly.