Contoured Weight Bearing Ledge for Manual Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current back support belts fail to provide a load-bearing element that offsets leverage and redistributes weight to the hips and legs, leading to arm and back fatigue when carrying heavy objects, as they lack a mechanical system to counteract the forces and strain caused by carrying heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A contoured weight-bearing ledge integrated with the back support belt and shoulder straps forms a secure lift assist system that transfers the weight of the load to the hips and legs, providing rigidity and resistance to leverage forces, with features like a non-slip surface, articulating design, and stowage magnets to secure the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional back support belt is used, then the back is supported during manual conveyance, but the user experiences arm and back fatigue when carrying heavy objects extended in front of the body
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is segmented into distinct functional components: a back support belt, shoulder straps, and a separate contoured weight bearing ledge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the belt provides back support, the shoulder straps distribute weight, and the ledge bears the load - thereby reducing overall user fatigue while maintaining reliable back protection
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured weight bearing ledge acts as an intermediary element between the user's body and the heavy object being carried. Instead of the arms and shoulders directly supporting the load, the ledge serves as a mechanical mediator that transfers weight to the hips and legs, reducing the strain on the back and arms while maintaining secure load support
2Device complexity
If no load bearing element is used, then the belt design remains simple, but the user cannot offset the leverage caused by having an object extended in front of the body
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured weight bearing ledge extends in multiple dimensions - it has a horizontal surface for load placement, vertical sides for structural rigidity, and a contoured shape that conforms to the user's body. This multi-dimensional structure provides leverage force resistance without requiring excessive material, as the three-dimensional form efficiently distributes and transfers forces
Solution Approach 2:
The ledge is constructed from a composite structure combining a rigid weight-bearing framework with a contoured surface that may incorporate non-slip materials. This composite approach provides the necessary structural strength to resist leverage forces while maintaining a design that isn't excessively complex or material-intensive
3Device complexity
If the weight is carried by arms and shoulders, then the belt design remains simple, but the weight cannot be redistributed to the hips and legs
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured weight bearing ledge functions as a counterweight mechanism by providing a rigid structure that actively bears the load and transfers it away from the user's arms and shoulders. The ledge's structural design creates a mechanical advantage that counteracts the gravitational force on the load, redirecting the weight force to the user's hips and legs through the back support belt system
Solution Approach 2:
The weight distribution system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - the contoured ledge and shoulder straps work together to actively redistribute weight as the user moves. The system adapts to the user's movements and load position, continuously adjusting the force distribution between the hips, legs, and back to maintain optimal stress reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A Putrello lift assist work belt used for manual conveyance that includes a contoured weight bearing ledge that when structurally coupled with the back support belt and shoulder straps form a Putrello lift assist work belt system able to transfer substantial weight of the load being carried by manual conveyance to the hips and legs thus relieving stress and strain on the users back and arms. The elements and attributes of the Putrello lift assist work belt combine to form a manual conveyance lifting system that provides excellent rigidity and resistance to leverage force that results from having a heavy object extended and positioned in front of one's body thus preventing injury to the back, shoulders, and arms.