Motorized Backpack Strap Adjustment System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual adjustment of backpack straps in VR/AR systems is cumbersome and difficult, leading to discomfort and improper positioning of loads, especially in shared use scenarios where precise ergonomic alignment is required.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a distance sensor, actuator, angle sensor, and angle adjuster in the backpack to automatically adjust the strap length and load angle, ensuring precise positioning and spacing without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of backpack straps is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and adjustment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of strap adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical strap adjustment with an automated motorized tensioning system. Motors are integrated into the backpack structure to automatically adjust strap length and load positioning based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual operation while improving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The backpack system performs self-adjustment through integrated sensors that detect wearer body dimensions and automatically control motors to position straps and load optimally. The system serves itself by autonomously making adjustments without requiring user intervention, thereby improving operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual adjustment of backpack straps is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased adjustment time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of wearer body dimensions using sensors before adjustment. This preliminary data collection enables the motorized system to pre-calculate optimal strap positions and load placement, allowing for rapid automated adjustment that increases productivity while managing complexity through systematic preprocessing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor strap tension and load position, and motor controllers adjust the mechanical components based on this feedback to achieve precise ergonomic positioning. This closed-loop control enables fast and accurate adjustments, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed backpack design is used, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the adaptability deteriorates for different wearers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wearersVSAvoidprecision of load positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static backpack design into a dynamic system with motorized components that can actively adjust strap length, tension, and load position. This dynamic capability allows the same backpack to adapt to different wearer body types and preferences, significantly improving versatility while maintaining precise positioning through controlled motor actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters such as strap length, tension force, and load angle based on sensor measurements of wearer characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the backpack achieves high adaptability to different wearers while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled parameter modification rather than requiring precision in the base design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If automated adjustment system is integrated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of load positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of automated system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components: sensors serve both measurement and control functions, motors perform both positioning and tensioning tasks, and the control system manages both strap adjustment and load positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving ease of operation while managing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3609365B1Adjustable backpacks
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3609365B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609365B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3609365B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Example implementations relate to adjustable backpacks. In some examples, a backpack may comprise a spindle coupled to a set of straps and a load, a distance sensor, an actuator coupled to the spindle, an angle sensor, and an angle adjuster coupled to the load. The actuator may actuate in response to a first signal from the distance sensor to adjust a length of the set of straps. The angle adjuster may activate in response to a second signal from the angle sensor.