Convertible Rescue Backpack With Foldable Rope-Protection Mat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rope protection devices fail to provide a versatile, durable, and visually safe solution that can convert between a carrying pack and a rope protection system, while also serving as a load-bearing support and protecting ropes from abrasion.

Innovation Solution

A convertible backpack with a flexible edge protection mat that can be configured into a box-like structure, featuring multi-layered construction and rope protection members with visual safety indicators, allowing it to function as both a carrying pack and a rope protector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional rope protection device is used, then ropes are protected from abrasion, but the device cannot serve as a carrying pack and lacks versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidrope protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The edge protection mat is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects ropes from abrasion when deployed, and simultaneously serves as a carrying pack when folded into a box-like structure with shoulder straps attached. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making a single device serve both protection and carrying purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the rope protection function with the carrying pack function into a single integrated system. The edge protection mat combines the protective mat material with foldable carrying sections and attachment points for shoulder straps, creating a unified device that eliminates the need for separate rope protectors and carrying packs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible mat is folded into a box-like structure for carrying, then it serves as a durable pack, but it loses its flat configuration needed for optimal rope protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrying capabilityVSAvoidmat configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The edge protection mat is designed with dynamic configurability, allowing it to transition between a flat deployed state for optimal rope protection and a folded box-like structure for carrying. The foldable sections and flexible material enable the mat to adapt its shape based on whether it is being used for protection or transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mat is divided into foldable sections that can be configured differently based on usage. The segmented design allows the mat to be folded into a compact box-like structure with defined sides, bottom, and back sections while maintaining the ability to unfold into a flat configuration for rope protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If visual safety indicators are added to the mat, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge protection mat incorporates visual safety indicators through color changes or contrasting colors between different layers or sections of the mat. This allows users to easily identify the mat's condition, orientation, or wear patterns without adding complex mechanical or electronic components, thus improving safety while minimizing increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4106578B1Covertible rescue backpack
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 FJORD INC
  • EP4106578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4106578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4106578B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A convertible backpack that can be used as an edge protection mat to protect ropes against abrasion and includes a flexible mat or sheet that can be configured into a pack and carried on the back of a user to carry equipment, clothing, or other gear. A pair of rope protection members are affixed to the outer surface of the sheet for carrying the pack and are easily removable for use alone or in combination with the flexible sheet to further protect ropes.