Sliding Shoulder Strap Coupling for Backpack Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual shoulder strap systems fail to accommodate opposing shoulder movements during ambulation, leading to unnecessary muscular work and instability, especially with heavy backpack loads due to rigid coupling and significant frictional resistance.
Innovation Solution
A dual shoulder strap system with slidable intercoupling via a coupling member routed through a sleeve member, allowing one strap to lengthen while the opposite strap shortens to balance opposing shoulder movements, minimizing friction and maintaining optimal weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rigid dual shoulder strap systems are used, then structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but the system causes unnecessary muscular work and instability during opposing shoulder movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid, fixed-length strap system into a dynamic system where the coupling member can slide along the sleeve member. This allows the shoulder straps to automatically adjust their effective length during opposing shoulder movements, enabling one strap to lengthen while the other shortens, thereby reducing unnecessary muscular work and improving user comfort during ambulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of the coupling member and sleeve member that mediates between the two shoulder straps. This intermediary sliding coupling system allows the straps to move independently while maintaining connection to the enclosure member, enabling opposing shoulder articulation without direct rigid coupling and reducing the complexity of individual strap adjustments
2Ease of operation
If rigid individual coupling of shoulder straps is used, then device complexity is minimized, but frictional resistance increases significantly during shoulder articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sliding coupling mechanism allows the straps to move freely along the sleeve member during shoulder articulation, converting what would be high-friction rigid movements into low-friction sliding movements. This dramatically reduces the energy loss due to friction while enabling natural opposing shoulder movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional rigid mechanical coupling system with a sliding coupling system that substitutes fixed mechanical connections with a low-friction sliding interface. This substitution eliminates the high frictional resistance associated with rigid couplings while maintaining the structural integrity and connection function of the shoulder strap system
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-length shoulder straps are used, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the system cannot accommodate opposing shoulder movements effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves adaptability through the dynamic sliding coupling mechanism, which allows the effective length of each shoulder strap to change automatically during use. This eliminates the need for precise manufacturing of fixed-length straps, as the sliding coupling enables continuous adjustment to accommodate various user body types and movement patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows independent adjustment of each strap's effective length, accommodates opposing shoulder movements, and maintains connection to the enclosure member. This multi-functionality replaces the need for precisely manufactured fixed-length straps with a universal adjustment mechanism that adapts to different users and conditions
4Ease of operation
If slidable intercoupling with cross-sectional shape matching is used, then frictional resistance is minimized, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by matching the cross-sectional shape of the coupling member with the internal channel of the sleeve member. This geometric parameter matching minimizes frictional resistance during sliding movement, enabling smooth adjustment of the shoulder straps while the user moves, thereby improving ease of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively balances opposing shoulder movements without requiring excessive muscular effort, enhancing user comfort and stability by reducing unnecessary work and instability, especially during lateral movements.
Implementation Method 1
The cross-sectional shape of the coupling member is substantially matched to the cross-sectional shape of the internal channel of the sleeve member, thereby minimizing frictional resistance as the coupling member is translated through the sleeve member
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a carrying system with an enclosure member and a shoulder attachment system. The shoulder attachment system includes a first and second shoulder strap individually coupled to the external surface of the enclosure member. The bottom ends of the first and second shoulder straps are intercoupled via a coupling member. The coupling member is slidably routed through a sleeve member within the internal region of the enclosure member. The sleeve member includes an internal channel having a cross-sectional shape that substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the coupling member, thereby minimizing frictional resistance as the coupling member is translated through the sleeve member. The slidable intercoupling between the bottom ends of the first and second shoulder straps with respect to the enclosure member enables articulation of one shoulder strap to be balanced by corresponding articulation of the opposite shoulder strap.