Backpack Frame with Extendable Side Trays for Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern backpacks, especially those used in military contexts, fail to effectively distribute the weight of heavy loads, leading to strain on the upper body and hindering the use of existing textile equipment like waist belts.

Innovation Solution

A bag holder with an open attachment frame and a tray that extends to encircle the user's back and sides, allowing the bag to rest on a tray, thereby distributing the weight more evenly and accommodating additional equipment like ballistic vests, and is designed to be easily attachable to existing belts without requiring attachment to the bag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a traditional waist belt is used to carry heavy loads, then the weight can be transferred to the user's hips, but the user's existing textile equipment (vest, belt) hinders or prevents the belt from closing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distributionVSAvoidcompatibility with existing equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple segments including a front vertical segment, a rear vertical segment, and two lateral segments that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the frame to adapt to different body shapes and existing equipment configurations, enabling soldiers to wear both their existing textile equipment and the bag holder simultaneously without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bag holder is designed as a universal system that can be worn over various types of existing military equipment including ballistic vests and ammunition belts. The frame structure and adjustable trays provide multi-functional support for different bag sizes and shapes, making it compatible with diverse operational requirements

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

2Force

If a rigid frame structure is used to support heavy loads, then weight distribution improves, but the device becomes more complex and harder to adjust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame incorporates adjustable components including movable lateral segments that can be repositioned along the frame, and adjustable tray positions that can be moved to accommodate different bag sizes. These dynamic adjustments allow the rigid frame to adapt to various load configurations without requiring complex mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the frame have different degrees of rigidity and adjustability. The vertical segments provide rigid structural support for load bearing, while the lateral segments incorporate adjustment mechanisms for adaptability. The trays also have localized adjustment capabilities, creating a hierarchy of rigidity and flexibility throughout the structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the tray is fixed in an extended position to support the bag, then the bag can rest stably on the tray, but the bag holder becomes inconvenient when no bag is resting on it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag support stabilityVSAvoidergonomic comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trays are designed to be movable between an extended position for bag support and a folded position for ergonomic comfort. This dynamic positioning allows the user to adjust the tray configuration based on whether a bag is being carried, eliminating the compromise between stability and comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The trays can be periodically adjusted between extended and folded states depending on operational needs. When carrying a bag, the trays extend to provide stable support; when not carrying a bag, the trays fold to a comfortable position, creating a periodic transition between functional states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3743672B1Bag carrier and apparatus comprising such a bag carrier
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE (FR)
  • EP3743672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3743672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3743672B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an open-attachment fitting (2) and at least one plate (3a, 3b), the plate being arranged on the fitting so as to be able to extend from the fitting towards the outer side of the fitting in an extended position which allows, during use, a bag to rest on the plate, the fitting being formed in order, during use, to at least partially surround each side of the user in order to balance the constraints between the back and the two sides of the user. The invention also relates to an apparatus comprising such a fitting.