Shoulder Yoke Load Distributor for Trapezius Pressure Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional shoulder straps cause stress and discomfort by transferring weight to the upper part of the shoulder and trapezius muscle, leading to pain and fatigue, and existing solutions either distribute weight unevenly or cause restricted breathing and chafing.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a yoke that bridges the shoulder area, transferring the load to either side, with flexible end portions and a strap member to distribute the weight, avoiding contact with the upper shoulder and utilizing pads and fasteners for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional shoulder straps are used to carry items, then the strap can support the load, but the stress concentrates on the upper part of the shoulder and trapezius muscle causing pain and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload support capabilityVSAvoidstress concentration on shoulder area

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder strap is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid yoke structure for load distribution, flexible end portions for comfort, and cushioning pads for pressure reduction. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while working together to solve the overall problem of stress concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a one-dimensional strap to a three-dimensional yoke structure that spans across the shoulder area. This dimensional change enables the load to be distributed over a larger surface area and redirected along the yoke structure to the chest and back, rather than concentrating force at a single point on the upper shoulder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stress or pressure

If cushioning pads are added to distribute weight over a larger area, then contact pressure is reduced, but the downward force on the upper part of the shoulder area is not reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact pressure distributionVSAvoiddownward force on upper shoulder

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid yoke acts as an intermediary structure between the carried item and the shoulder area. It receives the load and redistributes it through its structure to the chest and back regions, preventing the direct transmission of downward force to the upper shoulder while the cushioning pads further reduce contact pressure at the interface points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If shoulder harnesses are used to shift load to chest or waist straps, then some load is transferred away from shoulders, but breathing is restricted and chafing occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transfer to chest/waistVSAvoidbreathing restriction and chafing

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke structure is designed with differentiated local properties: rigid sections for structural support and load bearing, flexible end portions for comfort and adaptability, and cushioning pads at contact points. This local quality differentiation allows effective load transfer without the uniform constraint that causes breathing restriction and chafing in traditional harnesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Force

If a rigid structure is used to bridge the shoulder area, then load can be transferred effectively, but flexibility and comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transfer efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke incorporates flexible end portions that can adapt to the contours of the user's body, providing comfort and flexibility. These flexible sections are strategically positioned where adaptability is needed, while the central portion maintains sufficient rigidity for effective load transfer, achieving a balance between both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8800829B2Stress-reducer for shoulder and the use thereof

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 ALL OF IT SCANDINAVIA

AI summary

A stress-reducer is provided for reducing stress on a user from a load of a carried item or object. The stress-reducer is shaped as a yoke and worn over a shoulder of a user and supports the carried item or object. The yoke bridges or spans the shoulder of the user, substantially the upper part of the trapezius muscle and/or the collarbone. The yoke is in contact with either side of the upper part of the user's shoulder on an anterior and/or posterior side. The stress-reducer can be used with strap means. A carried item, equipped with a stress-reducer, a brassiere fitted with a stress-reducer and a garment having a stress-reducer attached thereto are also provided, as well as an arm carrier comprising a stress-reducer, a cradle being attached to an arm and a string being connected between the stress-reducer and the cradle.