Versatile sling system, apparatus and hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional systems for carrying heavy items or children are often bulky, cumbersome, and time-consuming to adjust, causing fatigue and back pain, and are limited in size and purpose.
Innovation Solution
A versatile sling system comprising a strap with adjustable length and a hub that allows for the attachment of accessories, distributing the weight of items or animals to the wearer's torso and shoulder, using a flexible material and various attachment systems like loops, rings, and zippers, with a locking mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional carrying systems are used, then weight transfer function is provided, but the system becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the carrying function into separate modular components: a wearable hub with attachment points, removable straps, and interchangeable accessories. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables users to carry only the necessary parts, reducing overall system bulkiness while maintaining weight transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of accessories (bags, containers, animal leashes, etc.) through standardized attachment mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized carrying devices, reducing the total equipment volume required while maintaining reliable weight transfer for various applications.
2Ease of operation
If multiple straps with adjustments are used, then proper fit is achieved, but the system becomes time-consuming to get in and out of
Solution Approach 1:
The hub includes pre-configured attachment points and quick-connect mechanisms that are prepared in advance, allowing users to rapidly attach and adjust straps without complex manual configuration. The standardized interface enables intuitive connection, significantly reducing the time required to don and doff the system while maintaining proper fit.
3Device complexity
If traditional systems are designed for single purpose, then simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hub serves as a universal platform with standardized attachment mechanisms that work with various accessory types including bags, containers, and animal leashes. This design maintains core system simplicity while enabling broad adaptability across different applications through interchangeable accessories rather than complexifying the core mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, single-purpose design to a dynamic, multi-purpose configuration through easily interchangeable accessories. Users can adapt the system to different applications by swapping accessories rather than redesigning the entire system, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
4Reliability
If maximum size or weight limits are imposed, then safety is ensured, but the system becomes limited in capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic weight distribution through adjustable straps and positioning mechanisms that adapt to different load sizes and weights. This allows the system to safely accommodate varying capacities by optimizing force distribution across the user's body, rather than imposing fixed weight limits, thereby maintaining safety while expanding carrying capacity flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a versatile sling system, apparatus and hub, the apparatus and system comprising a strap having a first end, a second end, a width, and an adjustable length, the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap being coupled such that the strap forms a loop; and a hub coupled to the strap such that the hub is suspended from the loop. The hub of the apparatus is configured to releasably attach at least one accessory, such as a handle or leash; the system configured to allow the wearer of the strap to transfer at least a portion of the weight and/or force of an item or animal being carried by the wearer and/or attached to the at least one accessory to the torso and shoulder of the wearer. The disclosure further relates to accessories compatible with the hub.