Backpack Strap Locking Mechanism for Adjustable Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backpacks lack adjustable shoulder straps that can be easily customized to fit different shoulder breadths and have unstable height adjustments, making them inconvenient to wear, especially when carrying varying loads.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a guiding means, retaining means, and engaging means that allows rotational and translational movement, enabling the straps to be securely adjusted and locked into different positions, ensuring comfortable fit and stability across various loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shoulder straps are fixed to the backpack, then the structure is simple and stable, but the shoulder straps cannot be adjusted to fit different shoulder breadths
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder strap system transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adjustable system. The engaging means can rotate between multiple positions (first rotational position for engagement, second rotational position for disengagement) allowing the shoulder straps to be repositioned along the guiding means to fit different shoulder breadths while maintaining structural simplicity through a single rotational degree of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: guiding means for translational movement, engaging means for rotational positioning, and retaining means for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving adjustability without excessive overall complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shoulder straps are made adjustable in height, then the fit can be customized, but the adjustment becomes complicated and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging means is designed to be self-locking through its rotational engagement with the retaining means. When the engaging means rotates to the first rotational position, it automatically engages with the retaining means to lock the position, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and simplifying user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic height adjustment through rotational movement of the engaging means along the guiding means. The user can easily rotate the engaging means to different heights and the retaining means automatically locks the position, making the adjustment both simple and stable
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shoulder straps are positioned to accommodate variable loads, then the comfort is improved, but the stability of the positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means acts as a simple but effective locking element that provides stable positioning. The engagement between the engaging means and retaining means creates a reliable lock that can withstand variable loads, while the simplicity of the design ensures it remains stable across different operating conditions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A locking mechanism (1) for a shoulder strap (24) of a backpack (20) is disclosed which comprises guiding means (2), retaining means (3), and engaging means (4), wherein the engaging means (4) is rotatable about an axis (A) and slidably guided along the guiding means (2), wherein in a first rotational position the engaging means (4) engages the retaining means (3) so that a sliding movement of the engaging means (4) along the guiding means (2) is restricted, and wherein in a second rotational position the engaging means (4) disengages the retaining means (3) so that a sliding movement of the engaging means (4) along the guiding means (2) is enabled.