Stowable Adjustable Sternum Strap with Sliding Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sternum straps lack adjustability and flexibility, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in securing backpacks, as they cannot be vertically adjusted to fit individual body shapes and do not adapt to natural chest movements, and they often hang loosely when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A sternum strap design featuring two parts connected by a sliding connector that can be stowed in pockets on the shoulder straps, allowing vertical adjustment and use of stretchable materials for adaptability, with an adjustment mechanism for tightening and loosening, and closure mechanisms for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sternum straps are made with fixed length pieces of material connected by a buckle, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user cannot adjust the vertical position to fit different body shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The sternum strap is divided into two separate parts that can be independently adjusted and connected through a buckle, allowing each side to be customized for the user's body shape while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The sternum strap incorporates adjustable length pieces of material that can be dynamically modified by the user through the buckle mechanism, enabling vertical position adjustment to fit different body shapes without requiring a completely complex restructuring
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sternum straps use non-stretchable material, then the structure is simple and maintains shape, but the strap cannot adapt to natural chest muscle movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs stretchable material that changes its physical parameter (length) in response to chest muscle movements, allowing the sternum strap to dynamically adapt to the user's body movements while maintaining a simple material composition without requiring complex mechanical components
3Ease of operation
If conventional sternum straps are left unbuckled, then the user has flexibility and comfort, but the strap hangs loosely and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The sternum strap design allows the two parts to be nested or stored within the backpack structure when not in use, eliminating the hanging and cumbersome problem while maintaining ease of operation. The parts can be conveniently stowed in pockets or compartments of the backpack, providing a clean and organized appearance without requiring complex storage mechanisms
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 provides enhanced comfort and security by allowing vertical adjustment and adaptability to chest movements, while also enabling the sternum strap to be stowed when not in use, eliminating the cumbersome hanging issue.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the two parts may be made of, but is not limited to, either a stretchable bungee cord, an elastic webbing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a body, a pair of shoulder straps attached to the body, a pair of pockets, each of the pair of pockets being formed respectively in each of the pair of shoulder straps, and a sternum strap including two parts connectable with a connector, wherein each of the two parts is attached and can be stowed respectively inside of each of the pair of pockets. Each of the two parts has a first end attached to a first corner of the corresponding pocket and a second end attached to a second corner of the corresponding pocket, such that the connector can slide up or down along the two parts and, when the two parts are connected with the connector, each of the two parts forms a “V” shape.