Backpack Strap Arrangement for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backpacks distribute weight poorly, leading to discomfort and instability, as the weight is borne mainly from the top and can cause the user to lean forward to maintain balance, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
The backpack design features a strap arrangement with carrying straps that extend from the bottom, redirecting forces to support the load from the sides and rear, using strap redirecting members and a stiffening member to distribute weight evenly, allowing for securement at the bottom and reducing pressure on the shoulders and neck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the weight is borne mainly from the top part of the backpack, then the structure is simple, but the weight distribution is poor and causes user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The strap arrangement is segmented into multiple functional components: bottom carrying straps, side redirecting members, rear redirecting members, and sternum strap. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function in the force redistribution system, transforming the simple top-bearing structure into a complex multi-point support system that distributes weight across the user's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point (top) weight bearing approach to a multi-dimensional force distribution system. The straps extend along the sides and redirect forces through spatial pathways involving bottom, side, and rear attachment points. This dimensional expansion creates a three-dimensional force distribution network that engages the user's shoulders, chest, and back simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If heavy loads are carried with traditional backpack design, then the load capacity is sufficient, but the user must lean forward to maintain balance
Solution Approach 1:
The strap arrangement creates counterbalancing forces through its geometric configuration. The bottom-carried straps redirecting through side and rear members generate upward and inward force components that counteract the backward pull of heavy loads. The sternum strap provides an additional counterbalancing element at the front, creating a force equilibrium that maintains user posture stability even with heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap arrangement is pre-configured with specific geometric relationships and attachment points designed to automatically generate balancing forces. When the backpack is worn, the straps are already positioned to redirect forces along optimal pathways that prevent the user from needing to lean forward, providing preliminary postural support before the load is even applied.
3Ease of manufacture
If the carrying straps are secured at the top and rear, then the attachment is simple, but the forces are not properly redirected to support the load
Solution Approach 1:
The side and rear redirecting members act as intermediary elements between the carrying straps and the pack body. These intermediaries redirect the forces transmitted by the straps along controlled pathways, ensuring that the load-bearing forces are properly directed to support the weight. The redirecting members translate the simple attachment geometry into effective force transmission without complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A backpack including a pack portion having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and two sides. A strap arrangement can also be included for carrying the pack portion as a backpack. The strap arrangement can have a pair of carrying straps. Each carrying strap can be secured to the pack portion at about the bottom and extend upwardly along respective sides of the pack portion, and redirected at about the top of said respective sides to extend around to the rear of the pack portion, and being redirected at about the top of the rear to extend downwardly for securement at about the bottom of the pack portion at the rear. The strap arrangement can redirect forces to support a load in the pack portion from the sides of the pack portion.