Backpack Load Carrying Portion Dynamics for Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backpacks are inconvenient for accessing contents, especially in tight spaces or when carrying heavy loads, as they require unstrapping and restrapping, which can be cumbersome and may lead to back problems, and existing solutions often involve complex mechanisms or damage to delicate items.

Innovation Solution

A backpack design with a movable load carrying portion using elongate flexible members and a supporting frame that allows the load carrying portion to be easily manipulated by actuating means, providing convenient access and reducing strain on the user's back, while maintaining the spatial orientation of the load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the backpack is strapped to the user's back, then the backpack is securely carried, but it becomes difficult to access contents

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to contentsVSAvoidSecure carrying
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The load carrying portion is made dynamically movable between a retracted position (secured to back) and an extended position (accessible at front) through elongate flexible members and actuating means, allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The backpack is divided into a stationary back portion and a movable load carrying portion that can be independently positioned, allowing the load carrying portion to be accessed without removing the entire backpack

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the user unstraps and restraps the backpack frequently, then access to contents is enabled, but back problems may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to contentsVSAvoidBack strain
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable load carrying portion allows users to access contents by extending the load carrier rather than removing the entire backpack, eliminating repeated strapping and unstrapping actions that cause back strain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elongate flexible members act as intermediaries between the user and the load carrying portion, enabling controlled movement and positioning of the load carrier without requiring the user to manually handle heavy loads or repeatedly secure the entire backpack

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If the backpack takes up large space, then contents can be carried, but it becomes difficult to sit or move in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCarrying capacityVSAvoidMobility in tight spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The load carrying portion can be dynamically repositioned between a retracted position (close to the back for compactness) and an extended position (away from the body for accessibility), allowing the backpack to adapt to different spatial constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By separating the load carrying portion from the main back portion, the backpack allows the load carrier to be independently positioned forward, reducing the space occupied near the user's body while maintaining carrying capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If prior mechanisms are used to move the backpack, then access is improved, but the mechanism becomes complex or damages delicate loads

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to contentsVSAvoidMechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Elongate flexible members (such as fabric strips or webbing) are used instead of rigid mechanical linkages to connect and move the load carrying portion, simplifying the mechanism while enabling smooth movement and maintaining load orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible members allow the load carrying portion to move dynamically with natural motion, avoiding rigid constraints that could damage delicate items while maintaining control through friction and geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2964054B1backpack
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 WOLFFE DAVID
  • EP2964054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2964054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2964054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An assembly for adjusting the position of a load for a backpack has a supporting member (3), an actuating means (35), and a plurality of elongate flexible movable members (7). Each of the elongate flexible movable members are attached to a load carrying portion (1) at one end, and attached to the actuating means at the second end. The load carrying portion is movable between: a retracted position, in which the load carrying portion abuts the supporting member, when the actuating means is moved into a first position; and an extended position, in which a user can freely move the load carrying portion relative to the supporting member, when the actuating means is moved into a second position.