Conformation Frame Carrying Strap Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carrying straps are uncomfortable due to friction, overheating, and uneven distribution of load on the shoulders and collarbones, leading to pain and discomfort, especially when carrying heavy objects or under restrictive conditions.
Innovation Solution
A carrying strap design featuring a conforming reinforcement with an upper portion that extends above the shoulder and a front frame portion that distributes the load against the thorax or abdomen, reducing stress on the shoulders and collarbones, and utilizing a frame with a varying cross-section for improved comfort and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional carrying straps are used, then the structure is simple and inexpensive, but the load distribution causes pain and discomfort on shoulders and collarbones
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying strap is divided into distinct functional segments: an upper portion that contacts the shoulder, a front portion that contacts the thorax, and a support portion with increased cross-section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the upper portion distributes weight across the shoulder, the front portion provides structural support against the thorax, and the support portion concentrates load-bearing capability where needed, thereby improving comfort without requiring complete redesign of the entire strap system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion of the front frame is designed with a different, larger cross-section compared to other parts of the strap. This local variation in geometry concentrates the load-bearing capability precisely where it is most effective - against the broad surface of the thorax or abdomen. By applying enhanced structural properties only in the critical load-transfer zone rather than uniformly throughout the entire strap, the design achieves improved load distribution and comfort while minimizing additional material usage and complexity.
2Force
If carrying straps extend over shoulders, then the load rests on shoulders and collarbones, but this causes friction, overheating, and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The front frame acts as an intermediary structural element that redirects the load path. Instead of allowing the entire load to be borne directly by the shoulder and collarbone structures, the front frame provides an additional contact surface against the thorax or abdomen. This intermediary structure shares the load-bearing function, reducing the harmful concentration of force on the shoulder joint and collarbone areas, thereby minimizing friction, overheating, and pain in those regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying strap design transitions from a traditional single-shoulder contact configuration to a multi-point contact system that utilizes both the shoulder region and the front thorax/abdomen region. By adding this dimensional aspect - extending the load distribution to the front of the body - the design creates additional load-bearing surfaces that reduce pressure and friction on the original shoulder contact points, thereby mitigating overheating and discomfort.
3Force
If the support portion has a different cross-section, then load distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design implements a controlled parameter change by varying the cross-sectional dimensions of the front frame at the support portion. Specifically, the support portion has a larger cross-section compared to the upper and lower portions of the front frame. This parameter variation is strategically applied only where needed to enhance load-bearing capacity and distribute weight effectively, while the rest of the frame maintains a simpler, more uniform cross-section that is easier to manufacture. This selective parameter change optimizes the balance between performance and manufacturability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A carrying strap (8) arranged to allow an individual (2) to carry an object on his or her back, comprising a shaping reinforcement (18) comprising an upper reinforcement portion arranged such that the carrying strap extends over a shoulder of the individual, and a front reinforcement portion arranged such that the carrying strap extends downwards against a front face of the individual's chest (13), the front reinforcement portion comprising a bearing portion arranged such that the carrying strap comes to bear on a bearing surface (24) of the individual situated on a front face or on a side face of the individual's chest or abdomen, so as to apply at least part of the load of the object against the bearing surface of the individual, the bearing portion having a cross-section different from a segment of the front reinforcement portion extending between the bearing portion and the upper reinforcement portion.