Segmented Textile Strap for Load Distribution and Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load-bearing straps and belts cause discomfort, pain, and mobility issues due to poor distribution of weight, lack of ergonomics, and inadequate moisture management, leading to issues like pressure sores and fatigue, especially in applications like military gear, police duty belts, and prosthetic harnesses.
Innovation Solution
A textile load-bearing strap assembly with a flexible, breathable design featuring a textile matrix with alternating layers and strategically cut apertures, integrated with a stretch outer layer to distribute weight evenly and manage moisture, while maintaining flexibility and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If straps are made wider to distribute load more effectively, then load distribution is improved, but mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is segmented into multiple functional layers including an outer compliance layer, intermediate load-bearing layer, and inner moisture-wicking layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, enabling the strap to distribute load effectively while maintaining flexibility and mobility through the compliant outer layer
Solution Approach 2:
The strap utilizes a composite structure combining materials with different properties: a compliant outer layer for flexibility, an intermediate layer for load-bearing, and an inner layer for moisture management. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing the strap to be wide enough for load distribution while the compliant outer material maintains mobility
2Object-affected harmful factors
If padding is added to provide relief from load weight, then comfort is improved, but movement and function are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance layer is positioned specifically at the interface with the body where pressure relief is most needed, while the load-bearing layer remains closer to the load. This local differentiation allows padding to provide pressure relief at the skin interface without adding bulk that would impair movement, as the compliant layer conforms to body contours
3Ease of operation
If straps are made narrow to minimize bulk, then mobility is maintained, but load distribution becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the compliance function by separating them into different layers. The intermediate layer handles load-bearing while the outer compliance layer handles flexibility and mobility. This extraction allows the strap to be wide enough for good load distribution without the entire structure being bulky, as only specific layers contribute to each function
4Strength
If conventional straps are used to support heavy loads, then load-bearing capability is achieved, but pressure sores and fatigue occur
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance layer acts as a cushioning element positioned between the load-bearing structure and the body before pressure is applied. This beforehand cushioning distributes pressure evenly across the contact area, preventing pressure sores and fatigue while maintaining full load-bearing capability through the intermediate layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a textile strap including a textile matrix formed by stacking at least one first material layer atop at least one second material layer in alternating order. The at least one first material layer is bonded to the at least one second material layer in a manner to fix the at least one first material layer to the at least one second material layer. A plurality of apertures are cut into the formed textile matrix inward from an edge of the textile matrix, such that the textile matrix with defined apertures is predictably flexible in each of two directions. The textile matrix with defined apertures is sheathed in a stretch outer layer configured to substantially enclose the textile matrix with defined apertures. The stretch outer layer is bonded to the textile matrix.