Backpack Shoulder Strap Positioner Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing chest strap system for backpacks, while effective in redistributing pressure from the shoulder bones to the trapezius muscles, can limit deep breathing during heavy exertion and is uncomfortable for some users, particularly women due to chest prominence and aesthetic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second positioning arms that extend over the shoulders and downwards to associate with the shoulder straps, along with an adjustment mechanism located behind the neck, which maintains a desired spacing between the shoulder straps without the need for a chest strap, allowing for adjustable proximity-maintaining states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a chest strap is used to position shoulder straps on the trapezius muscles, then pressure distribution is improved, but respiratory freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic chest strap component from the system and replaces it with positioning arms that extend over the shoulders. The positioning arms maintain shoulder strap placement on the trapezius muscles without requiring compression across the chest, thereby eliminating respiratory restriction while preserving pressure distribution benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning arms serve as intermediary elements that transfer and maintain the position of shoulder straps on the trapezius muscles without directly compressing the chest. These arms act as mediators between the shoulder straps and the user's body, achieving pressure distribution through positioning rather than compression
2Stability of the object's composition
If a chest strap is used to maintain shoulder strap position, then strap positioning is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a chest strap that compresses the front of the body to maintain strap position, the invention inverts the approach by using positioning arms that extend over the shoulders from the back. This inverted configuration maintains strap positioning stability while avoiding chest compression discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning arms are designed with flexible characteristics that allow them to conform to the user's shoulder anatomy. This flexibility maintains stable strap positioning while adapting to individual body shapes, thereby improving user comfort compared to rigid chest straps
3Adaptability or versatility
If a chest strap is used for shoulder strap positioning, then functionality is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the positioning function into separate positioning arms for each shoulder, rather than using a single chest strap structure. Each positioning arm independently maintains its shoulder strap, simplifying the overall system while providing adaptable positioning functionality for both shoulders
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for maintaining a desired spacing between shoulder straps (10a, 10b) of a pack (12) employ positioning arms (14a, 14b) which are supported by a structure that is located behind the neck. According to a first aspect of the invention, an adjustment mechanism allows reconfiguration of the positioning arms between an open state for putting on and taking off the pack, and a state in which the positioning arms are brought together to maintain proximity between the right and left shoulder straps of the pack. According to a second aspect, a series of parallel hinges (24) in each positioning arm provides directionally-limited flexibility, allowing the positioning arm to be lifted away from the body to open up accessibility for putting on and taking off the pack, while resisting lateral displacement.