Magnetic Shoulder Straps for Carrying Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Shoulder straps on carrying devices, such as bags, tend to slip off the shoulder, requiring frequent repositioning or grasping, as there is no effective means to connect them securely during use.

Innovation Solution

Magnetic shoulder straps with magnets positioned between textile layers, oriented to attract each other, preventing slippage by maintaining their relative position on the shoulder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional shoulder straps are used without connection mechanism, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the top strap slips off the shoulder requiring frequent repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap position stabilityVSAvoidstrap structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connection systems (buckles, clips, or ties) with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnets are embedded in the shoulder straps to create magnetic attraction that automatically holds the top strap in position on the shoulder, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening mechanisms while achieving reliable strap position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic connection system is self-regulating and automatically maintains the top strap position on the shoulder without requiring user intervention. The magnetic attraction force continuously acts to prevent slippage, making the system self-service in maintaining proper strap positioning during movement and use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If magnetic connection is added to prevent strap slippage, then strap position stability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap position stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnets are pre-embedded into the shoulder straps during the manufacturing process, so that the magnetic connection capability is built-in before the product reaches the user. This preliminary incorporation of the magnetic elements simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow compared to adding separate mechanical connection components that would require additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the user must grasp both straps to prevent slippage, then strap position stability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates requiring hand engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap position stabilityVSAvoidhands-free operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for manual grasping and mechanical holding with an automatic magnetic field-based holding system. The magnetic attraction force continuously acts on the top strap to prevent slippage, freeing the user's hands for other tasks while maintaining reliable strap position stability throughout movement and activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The magnetic attraction between the straps keeps the top strap securely in place on the shoulder, eliminating the need for constant repositioning and allowing hands-free use.

Implementation Method 1

The polarity of the magnet in a first individual strap and the polarity of the magnet in a second individual strap are oriented with the same polarity facing a top surface thereof, thereby the first strap is magnetically attractable to the second strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11278097B2Magnetic shoulder straps for a carrying device

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 DEGROOT MELISSA S

AI summary

Carrying devices, such as shoulder bags, have a carrying body defining an interior storage compartment having an access opening thereto and a pair of shoulder straps. Each individual strap of the pair of shoulder straps has a first textile layer fixedly attached to a second textile layer with a magnet enclosed therebetween at a position proximate or at a central transverse plane. The polarity of the magnet in a first individual strap and the polarity of the magnet in a second individual strap are oriented with the same polarity facing a top surface thereof, thereby the first strap is magnetically attractable to the second strap with a bottom surface of the first strap in direct contact with a top surface of the second strap or with a bottom surface of the second strap in direct contact with a top surface of the first strap.