Backpack Strap Adjustment via Integrated Cord System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing large-capacity hiking backpacks require tedious adjustments of shoulder straps for height and tightening, necessitating multiple operations to fit the user's morphology, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

The backpack features vertically sliding shoulder straps with rear and front cords connected to sliding systems and adjustment/locking mechanisms that allow for simultaneous height adjustment and tightening of the straps while the backpack is worn, utilizing offset pieces to minimize friction and anti-return devices for secure length adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional separate adjustment mechanisms are used for shoulder strap height and tightening, then the backpack can be adjusted to fit user morphology, but the adjustment process becomes tedious and time-consuming requiring multiple operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of strap adjustmentVSAvoidtime for adjustment operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the height adjustment function and tightening function into a single integrated cord system. Pulling the cord simultaneously adjusts both the vertical position of the shoulder straps and their tightening around the shoulders, eliminating the need for separate adjustment operations and reducing adjustment time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cord system performs multiple functions: it controls both the vertical positioning of the shoulder straps and the tightening force applied to the shoulders. This multi-functional mechanism allows one component to achieve what previously required two separate adjustment systems

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the backpack is designed with adjustable shoulder straps requiring placement on ground for adjustment, then the straps can be positioned according to user size, but the user must remove the backpack to adjust, which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of strap positionVSAvoidconvenience of adjustment while wearing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment capability that allows the shoulder straps to be repositioned while the backpack is being worn. The sliding mechanism and cord system are designed to be operable in the dynamic state of wearing, not just in the static state of ground placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If vertical sliding means are used for shoulder straps, then the height position can be adjusted, but additional adjustment operations are required for tightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight position of strapsVSAvoidnumber of adjustment mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vertical sliding adjustment mechanism with the tightening mechanism into a single integrated system controlled by one cord. The cord pulls simultaneously on the sliding means and the tightening components, combining what would otherwise be separate adjustment operations into one unified action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient and optimized adjustment of shoulder straps to fit the user's morphology without removing the backpack, reducing the time and effort required for proper fitting and providing comfortable wear.

Implementation Method 1

these two sliding systems being configured to receive the rear and front cords slidably on their respective sides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

two adjustment/locking systems being arranged respectively downstream of the two sliding systems, these two adjustment/locking systems being configured to adjust and keep locked the lengths of the upper portions of the rear and front cords

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

when the adjustment/blocking systems are unlocked, the mass of the bag ensures a downward force on the rear face of the bag while the shoulder straps are held by the user's shoulders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2538815B1Backpack having rapid strap adjustment
Publication Date: 2015.04.15 DECATHLON SA
  • EP2538815B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2538815B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a backpack (1) including, in particular, a rear surface (2) and two straps (3). Vertical sliding means are arranged between the rear ends (4) of the straps and the rear surface, said rear ends being connected to the upper ends (6) of two rear strings (7). The front ends (5) of the straps are connected to the upper ends (8) of two front strings (9). Two sliding systems (15) are arranged on the two lower lateral sides (14) of the rear surface to receive the respective rear and front strings in a sliding manner. Two adjustment/locking systems (13), arranged downstream of the two sliding systems, are configured to adjust and lock the lengths of the upper portions (7a, 9a) of the rear and front strings separating said sliding systems from the rear and front ends of the straps.