Strap Assembly Notch Recess Elastic Member Bunching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strap assemblies for carrying shoulder-borne loads often suffer from discomfort due to bunching and uneven distribution of weight, as they lack effective mechanisms to adjust to shifting loads and maintain optimal positioning over the shoulders.

Innovation Solution

A strap assembly featuring primary straps with notches that form a recess, an elastic member connecting the straps, and an intersection point within the recess, which reduces bunching and enhances fit and support by maintaining strap alignment and accommodating load shifts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional strap assemblies are used without elastic members and notches, then the structure is simple, but the straps bunch and separate causing discomfort and uneven weight distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort and weight distributionVSAvoidstrap structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: primary straps for load bearing, elastic members for dynamic adjustment, and notches for geometric control. This segmentation allows each component to address specific problems (bunching, separation, comfort) while working together to improve overall performance without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic members introduce dynamic behavior to the strap assembly, allowing it to adapt to load shifts and user movement. The elastic properties enable the straps to maintain optimal tension and positioning automatically, improving comfort and weight distribution without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If straps are designed to accommodate load shifts, then adaptability improves, but the straps may separate or bunch causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload shift accommodationVSAvoidstrap positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The notches are strategically positioned and shaped to preemptively counteract the harmful effects of load shifts. The geometric configuration of the notches creates a predetermined path that prevents strap separation and bunching before they can occur, maintaining stable positioning while accommodating natural load movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic members act as intermediaries between the primary straps and the load, absorbing and distributing the forces generated by load shifts. This intermediary element allows the straps to adapt to movement while maintaining consistent tension and preventing the harmful separation and bunching effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If compression materials are added to enhance comfort, then user comfort improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic members function as flexible elements that provide comfort through their inherent elasticity and ability to conform to the user's body. This approach achieves comfort enhancement without requiring complex compression material assemblies, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving user experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 described strap assembly improves comfort and support by minimizing strap bunching and ensuring even weight distribution, allowing for customizable fit and improved load management during use.

Implementation Method 1

An elastic member extends between the first primary strap and the second primary strap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2849604B1Strap assembly for carrying bag
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP2849604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2849604B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2849604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A strap member includes a first primary strap including a first notch formed along its inner edge and a second primary strap includes a second notch formed along its inner edge, the first notch and second notch defining a recess in the strap member. An intersection point positioned within the recess is at an intersection of lines being one of collinear and tangential with portions of the inner edges of the first and second primary straps. An elastic member extends between the first primary strap and the second primary strap.