Stable Backpack Suspension for Dynamic Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backpack designs fail to accommodate the dynamic movements and weight distribution requirements of a person transitioning from walking to running, leading to discomfort and energy loss due to inadequate load stabilization and distribution.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shoulder harness with cable and pulley mechanisms that allow for lengthening and shortening of shoulder straps and the use of vertical support bars on pivots to maintain the pack's center of mass close to the hips, along with an active suspension system providing balanced forces during running, and a hip harness with a spring bar and vertical support rods to stabilize the pack across multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the shoulder harness is designed to keep the pack at a fixed position and orientation, then the pack stability is improved for walking, but the pack cannot adapt to the dynamic movements of running, causing discomfort and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shoulder harness and pack position adjustable and movable rather than fixed. The shoulder harness allows the pack to move dynamically with the runner's body movements, adapting to the oscillating and twisting motions that occur during running while maintaining stability through controlled movement ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pack position and orientation from fixed to variable. The shoulder harness and pack suspension system allow the pack to adjust its position relative to the wearer's body, changing parameters such as vertical position, horizontal position, and orientation angle to accommodate transitions between walking and running gaits.
2Ease of operation
If the pack is designed for walking with freedom of movement, then ease of operation is improved, but the pack cannot respond to rapid gait movements, leading to discomfort and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the shoulder harness system that responds to the wearer's body movements. The harness detects and responds to the oscillating and twisting motions of running, providing real-time adjustment of pack position to maintain stability and reduce energy loss while preserving freedom of movement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pack maintains a fixed center of mass position, then stability is improved for slow motions, but the pack cannot adapt to changing stance during transition from walking to running
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the center of mass position dynamic rather than fixed. The pack suspension system allows the center of mass to adjust its position in response to changing wearer stance during transitions between walking and running, maintaining stability through controlled adaptation rather than rigid fixation.
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 solution ensures the pack remains stable and close to the body, reducing discomfort and energy loss by adapting to the runner's movements, maintaining a consistent orientation and minimizing twisting and bouncing, even with significant weight loads.
Implementation Method 1
The shoulder harness is adapted to allow free motion of the arms. This adaptation comprises cables and pulleys which allow the lower portions of the shoulder straps to lengthen and shorten as the person walks.
Implementation Method 2
The hip harness comprises a spring bar and vertical support rods. The spring bar provides active suspension by storing and releasing elastic energy during the oscillating movements of running, maintaining balanced forces on the pack.
Implementation Method 3
Vertical support bars mounted on pivots are also provided to allow alternating vertical hip motion without causing undue twisting of the pack.
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilized backpack comprises a hip suspension and a shoulder suspension. The hip suspension comprises vertical support rods pivotally attached to the hip belt and pack frame to allow motion of the wearer's hips without causing varying forces on the pack. The shoulder suspension comprises pulleys and cords attaching the shoulder straps to the pack so that the motion of the wearer's shoulders does not cause varying forces on the pack. The net effect is that a person can run with the pack, with heavy load, in rough terrain, with the pack staying relatively stable.