Moebius Strip Carrying Strap Frame for Load Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrying straps for backpacks and bags primarily distribute weight on the shoulders and collarbones, leading to discomfort, musculoskeletal imbalances, and pain, with existing solutions being complex, bulky, or causing discomfort due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A conformation frame for carrying straps, similar to a Moebius strip, that redistributes the load towards the center of gravity, providing increased comfort and reducing fatigue by shifting the weight from shoulders to a more supportive area, such as the torso, using a frame with a twisted internal surface and a curved external surface to create new support zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing load carrying straps are used, then the weight is distributed on the shoulders and collarbones, but this leads to discomfort, musculoskeletal imbalances, and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The frame introduces a new spatial dimension for load distribution by extending from the shoulder area down to the hip region, creating a three-dimensional load path that redirects weight away from the shoulders through the frame structure to the hips and torso
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structural element between the strap and the wearer's body, providing a rigid support structure that redistributes forces through its geometry rather than relying solely on soft tissue contact
2Ease of operation
If complex exoskeletal structures are used to transfer load to hips, then load distribution improves, but the design becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into distinct functional segments including a shoulder portion, a longitudinal portion extending downward, and a support portion at the lower end, allowing each segment to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates curved and twisted geometric forms rather than straight rigid lines, allowing the structure to adapt to the natural contours of the human body while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity
3Ease of operation
If the frame longitudinal portion is twisted around its axis, then load distribution to the torso improves, but it causes discomfort at the chest level
Solution Approach 1:
The frame provides different geometric characteristics at different locations - the shoulder portion has one configuration optimized for shoulder contact, while the support portion at the lower end has a different configuration optimized for torso contact, with the twisted longitudinal portion transitioning between these zones
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention concerns a carrying strap adjusted, in use, to be installed on the shoulder of a wearer, wherein: - the carrying strap has a shaping reinforcement (3) having an inner surface (Si) and an outer surface (Se), - the reinforcement (3) comprises: - an upper reinforcement portion (30) located, in use, at the shoulder on which the carrying strap is installed, - a front reinforcement portion (31) which extends the upper reinforcement portion (30), - the front reinforcement portion (31) comprises a support portion (32), characterised in that along the upper reinforcement portion (30) and the front reinforcement portion (31), the inner surface (Si) of the reinforcement (3) is shaped as a portion of a Moebius strip, which inner surface, in use, is oriented towards the body of the wearer.