Carrier System Load Transfer Waist Strap Upright Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional body armor carrier systems concentrate the weight of equipment and ballistic armor on the shoulders, leading to fatigue and spinal compression, especially in military applications where the combined weight can exceed 100 pounds, and often require additional equipment for load distribution.

Innovation Solution

A carrier system with a flexible and adjustable waist strap and a semi-rigid upright support member that transfers the shoulder load to the hips, allowing for ambulatory freedom without overloading the back or abdomen, and distributes additional loads without the need for additional equipment, featuring ergonomically contoured and rotatable components for improved stability and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional body armor carrier systems use shoulder straps to carry equipment and ballistic armor, then the armor and equipment can be carried on the body, but the weight is concentrated on the shoulders leading to fatigue and spinal compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoulder load bearing capacityVSAvoidspinal compression and fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension to load distribution by using an upright support member that extends from the waist strap upward along the back. This vertical element creates a three-dimensional load distribution system rather than relying solely on horizontal shoulder strap support, thereby transferring load from the shoulders to the stronger hip and waist regions while maintaining proper spinal alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The upright support member acts as an intermediary structural element between the waist strap and the shoulder straps. It provides a vertical load path that mediates the force transmission, allowing the hip and waist region to bear the primary load while the shoulder straps provide secondary support, thereby reducing the harmful concentration of weight on the shoulders and spine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional equipment such as backpacks are carried on top of the body armor using shoulder straps, then more gear can be transported, but the load on the shoulders increases further

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment carrying capacityVSAvoidshoulder load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various types of equipment and ballistic armor configurations. The upright support member and waist strap system can accommodate different load arrangements, allowing the same system to carry both body armor and additional equipment like backpacks without requiring separate support structures, thereby distributing all loads through the hip and waist region rather than concentrating them on the shoulders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If straps are used to carry additional gear, then equipment can be secured to the body, but the straps interfere with visibility and movement and may require adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment securingVSAvoidvisibility obstruction and movement restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the primary load-bearing function from the shoulder straps and transfers it to the waist strap and upright support member system. This allows the shoulder straps to be minimized or removed entirely, eliminating the harmful interference with visibility and movement while still providing adequate equipment securing capability through the alternative support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Weight of moving object

If arches or similar supports are used to distribute load, then shoulder load may be reduced, but the structure becomes unstable and may create negative force on the abdomen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoulder loadVSAvoidcarrier system stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a full arch structure that extends over the shoulders and creates instability, the patent employs a partial support structure in the form of an upright member that extends only partially up the back from the waist strap. This partial action provides sufficient load distribution benefit without creating the harmful moments and instability associated with complete arch structures, and without applying negative force to the abdomen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11064792B2Carrier system

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 RFD BEAUFORT INC

AI summary

A carrier system for use with a body armor garment that distributes the shoulder loads produced by equipment carried or worn by military or law enforcement personnel, away from the user's shoulders and comfortably to the hips. Heavy shoulder loads, which typically cause chronic back pain and can lead to compression of the spine, are significantly mitigated. The carrier system has a vertical back support and a belt for securing the device around the waist of the user. In addition to alleviating shoulder fatigue and spine compression, the device is light, comfortable, durable, adjustable and easy to maintain.