Backpack Ratchet Tensioning and Rail Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suspended load ergonomic backpacks face difficulties in tensioning the bungee cord, lack a convenient stowage mechanism for excess bungee cord, and have no easy way to automatically lock the backpack, leading to issues with frame separation and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet crank mechanism for easy bungee cord tensioning, a tube for stowing excess bungee cord, a user-friendly lock for manual locking, and an automatic locking mechanism that engages at the top of the frame movement, along with a new rail design to prevent separation and simplify manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bungee cord suspension system is used to reduce forces on the wearer's body, then comfort and ergonomics are improved, but tensioning the bungee cord becomes difficult and requires complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tensioning with a ratchet-based mechanical advantage system. The ratchet mechanism allows one-way rotation to progressively tighten the bungee cord through incremental rotations, converting small input forces into large tension forces without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system allows dynamic movement of the load relative to the wearer's body through the compliant bungee cord connection. The load can move up and down on the rails while maintaining tension, adapting to the wearer's gait and reducing impact forces dynamically during walking or running.
2Reliability
If the bungee cord is tightened to provide proper suspension, then suspension performance is improved, but excess bungee cord has no stowage mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The excess bungee cord is stored by nesting it within the hollow interior of the mounting wheel. The bungee cord passes through the mounting wheel and the unused portion is fed into the hollow cavity, eliminating the need for separate stowage mechanisms while maintaining a clean appearance and proper tension.
3Ease of operation
If the backpack allows movement to reduce forces on the body, then comfort is improved, but frame separation becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different parts of the suspension system. The bungee cord provides compliant, energy-absorbing connection at the load attachment points, while the rigid rails and mounting wheels provide stable, fixed connection at the frame interface. This local differentiation allows movement where needed while preventing frame separation.
4Strength
If traditional rod and bushing systems are used for frame connection, then structural strength is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bushings from the rod-end connections and replaces them with rail-mounted wheels. This eliminates the need for precise rod-bushing-fit manufacturing while maintaining the necessary movement and support functions. The rails are simply mounted to the frame, and the wheels roll along them, simplifying assembly and reducing part count.
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 improvements enable easier and more efficient tensioning of the bungee cord, prevent frame separation, and reduce manufacturing costs and weight, making the backpack more practical and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant mechanism that is connected between the fixed frame and the moving frame and wrapped around the mounting wheel to permit movement of the moving frame relative to the fixed frame during a gait of the wearer of the backpack in accordance with tension on the compliant mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A ratchet crank mechanism for easy bungee cord tensioning
Implementation Method 3
an automatic locking mechanism that engages at the top of the frame movement
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended load backpack includes a moving frame including a bag for receiving a load to be carried by the backpack, a fixed frame including shoulder straps for holding the fixed frame in place on a wearer's back, and a rail assembly that connects the moving frame to the fixed frame but allows the moving frame to move relative to the fixed frame. A mounting wheel is connected to the fixed frame, and a compliant mechanism such as a bungee cord is connected between the fixed frame and the moving frame and wrapped around the mounting wheel to permit movement of the moving frame relative to the fixed frame during a gait of the wearer of the backpack in accordance with tension on the compliant mechanism. A ratchet assembly includes a lever that rotates the mounting wheel to easily apply tension to the compliant mechanism.