Body-Worn Wagon Pulling Strap for Hands-Free Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional stroller wagon pulling methods engage only the upper limbs, leading to rapid fatigue, uneven load distribution, and ergonomic challenges, particularly on uneven surfaces, compromising maneuverability and causing discomfort or injuries.
Innovation Solution
A body-worn hands-free wagon-pulling strap device with adjustable straps and padding, allowing force distribution across the torso and shoulders, enabling hands-free operation and enhanced control over variable terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hand-held handles are used to pull the wagon, then the user can maintain direct control of the wagon, but the upper limbs experience rapid fatigue and upper limb strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a body-worn strap device as an intermediary between the user and the wagon handle. The strap connects to the wagon handle and distributes the pulling force across the user's torso and shoulders through ergonomic positioning, rather than requiring direct hand-held control. This mediator transfers the mechanical load from the upper limbs to the larger muscle groups of the torso, resolving the contradiction between maintaining control and preventing fatigue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of force application location from the hands to the torso and shoulders. By repositioning where the pulling force is applied on the user's body, the system transforms the mechanical stress distribution. The adjustable straps allow customization of the force distribution parameters to match different user anatomies, optimizing the balance between control and fatigue reduction
2Adaptability or versatility
If one hand is kept free for other tasks, then the user can perform additional tasks, but control over the wagon is compromised and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The body-worn strap acts as a continuous intermediary connection to the wagon handle, providing constant bilateral control through the user's body position rather than requiring hand contact. This allows the user to perform additional tasks with both hands while the strap maintains mechanical coupling to the wagon, preserving maneuverability through body movement and position adjustments
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric force application occurs during pulling, then the user can adapt to uneven surfaces, but uneven load distribution and postural strain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of load distribution by using adjustable straps that can be customized to match the user's body geometry and the specific terrain conditions. The straps allow dynamic adjustment of force distribution parameters across different anatomical points on the torso and shoulders, enabling adaptation to uneven surfaces while maintaining balanced load distribution and minimizing postural strain through optimized force vectors
Data Source
AI summary
A body-worn hands-free wagon-pulling strap device is provided. The device is configured to allow a user to pull a stroller wagon without pulling the wagon via the wagon handle. The device comprises a strap body in a single-strap cross-body configuration or a dual shoulder strap configuration similar to a backpack harness. The strap body further comprises one or more padding components. At least one adjustment fastener may be included to allow incremental customization of strap length for user fit and load positioning. Coupling of the strap to a wagon handle is achieved either by looping the strap around the handle or via a fastener. The strap may further comprise a handle loop to permit optional manual control when required.