Segmented Backpack Load Transfer via Hip Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load carrying packs do not accommodate varying degrees of articulation and support required by different sections of the human spine, leading to inefficient load distribution and increased user fatigue during activities like running, hiking, and skiing.
Innovation Solution
An anatomically segmented backpack design with distinct upper back, lower back, and hip regions, featuring a Y-shaped shoulder strap system, a load-bearing element, and a customizable hip belt, allowing for differential articulation and support to distribute the load efficiently across the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional unified pack design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it does not accommodate varying degrees of articulation and support required by different sections of the spine, leading to increased user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The pack is divided into distinct anatomical segments: upper back portion, lower back portion, and hip belt portion. Each segment is designed to accommodate the specific articulation and support requirements of its corresponding body region, with the lower back portion allowing greater movement while the upper back provides more stable support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pack are designed with locally optimized properties: the lower back portion features increased flexibility and articulation capability, while the upper back portion provides more rigid support. The hip belt portion is designed specifically for load transfer to the hips, creating localized functional zones that match anatomical requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the pack load is carried away from the body, then the pack is easier to access and distribute items, but the load is not efficiently transferred to the hips and increases shoulder and back strain
Solution Approach 1:
A load-bearing element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pack load and the user's body. This element flexibly connects the upper back portion to the hip belt portion, enabling efficient load transfer from the shoulders and back to the hips while accommodating natural body movements and articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness system incorporates dynamic, flexible connections rather than rigid structures. The load-bearing element and hip belt are designed to move and adapt with the user's body during activity, allowing the load to be efficiently transferred while maintaining comfort and accommodating varying degrees of articulation throughout the range of motion.
Data Source
AI summary
An anatomically segmented backpack has an upper back region, a lower back region, and a hip belt region. The upper back region includes a shoulder strap joined to a pack load carrying portion and a thorax harness. The thorax harness extends in two opposite directions under each shoulder blade of the user. The lower back region is coupled to the upper back region and a hip region. A slide mechanism is located in the pack load carrying portion of the upper and lower back region. A load-bearing element is disposed within the lower back region, for transferring a load from the upper back region to the user's hips. The hip region is joined to a front section of the pack by a load bearing hip belt that extends around the user.