Backpack Semi-Rigid Core Load Transfer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backpack systems encumber and fatigue the shoulders, limiting motion and comfort, especially when carrying heavy loads, as they rely on straps that restrict arm and shoulder movement.
Innovation Solution
The Backpack System replaces conventional shoulder straps with a lightweight, semi-rigid core assembly that transfers the load forward toward the center of the body, using a covered semi-rigid core with Styrofoam padding and a two-part quick snap coupling, allowing for greater freedom of motion and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional shoulder straps are used to carry heavy loads, then the load can be transferred to the shoulders, but the straps encumber and fatigue the shoulders while limiting arm and shoulder motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional shoulder strap component entirely and replaces it with a semi-rigid core assembly that transfers load through a different mechanism - through the back and around to the front of the body, eliminating the need for traditional shoulder straps that cause encumbrance and limit motion
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-rigid core assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the load and the body, distributing force through a rigid-to-flexible transition that allows motion freedom while maintaining load transfer capability
2Force
If conventional shoulder straps are used to support heavy loads, then the load can be carried, but the straps restrict arm and shoulder movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the restrictive shoulder strap element, replacing it with a semi-rigid core system that provides load support without impeding arm and shoulder movement, thereby improving adaptability for various activities
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-rigid core assembly provides dynamic support that adapts to movement - it maintains structural integrity for load bearing while allowing the necessary flexibility and motion range for arms and shoulders to move freely during activities
3Volume of moving object
If lightweight, rigid or semi-rigid internal frames are used to provide carrying capacity, then the pack can hold more, but the shoulder straps still encumber and fatigue the shoulders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal frame structure with the external cover to create an integrated semi-rigid core assembly that serves dual purposes - providing structural support for carrying capacity while eliminating the need for separate shoulder straps, thereby improving shoulder comfort and motion freedom
Data Source
AI summary
A heavy-duty, modular backpack system or personal load bearing system replaces shoulder straps with a lightweight, SRC (semi-rigid core) and hanger suspension system, that subjects the chest or center of the body to a compressive force to transfer the load forward while freeing up the shoulders. The SRC is provided that is made out of a semi-rigid plastic such as ABS plastic or a carbon fiber composite or any other non-compressible material with similar structural characteristics. Left and right hooks pass over, forward and downward over the chest and are joined at a central coupling at a center of the human body, the “xiphoid process”, a small extension of the sternum. Right and left lower straps extend to left and right lower support sites to form a arched cage on the user. A belt wraps around the waist on top of the hip bones to limit lateral movement.