Unilateral Shoulder Strap Backpack for Lymphedema Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backpacks are unsuitable for individuals who have had lymph nodes removed from the chest and underarm area, as they can exacerbate lymphedema due to pressure on the shoulder and chest areas, and lack adequate support for mountain sports.
Innovation Solution
A backpack design featuring a single main support strap on one shoulder, a pectoral stabilizer below the chest, and a reinforced hip belt, with a second side fastening strap that crosses laterally below the armpit and chest area, minimizing pressure on the affected side and providing stability without shoulder straps on the other side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional backpacks with two shoulder straps are used, then the backpack provides stable support and carrying capacity, but it exerts pressure on the shoulder and chest area which can exacerbate lymphedema in patients who have had lymph node dissection
Solution Approach 1:
The backpack strap system is segmented into multiple independent components: a main strap that can be worn on one or both shoulders, a chest strap for stabilization, and a waist belt for weight distribution. This segmentation allows the backpack to provide stable support through distributed forces while avoiding concentrated pressure on the affected shoulder and chest area, thereby reducing lymphedema risk for patients who have had lymph node dissection
Solution Approach 2:
The backpack incorporates adjustable and adaptable strap configurations that can be dynamically modified based on the user's needs. The main strap can be positioned on one shoulder or both shoulders, the chest strap can be adjusted or removed, and the waist belt can be positioned at different heights. This dynamic adaptability allows the backpack to maintain stability and support while accommodating the specific medical requirements of patients at risk for lymphedema
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single cross-body strap is used, then the backpack avoids pressure on the shoulder and chest area, but it has very limited capacity and does not provide stable support
Solution Approach 1:
The backpack strap system is segmented into multiple independent components: a main strap that can be worn on one or both shoulders, a chest strap for stabilization, and a waist belt for weight distribution. This segmentation allows the backpack to provide stable support through distributed forces while avoiding concentrated pressure on the affected shoulder and chest area, thereby reducing lymphedema risk for patients who have had lymph node dissection
Solution Approach 2:
The backpack combines multiple strap types and support mechanisms into a unified system. The main strap, chest strap, and waist belt work together to distribute weight across multiple body areas (back, chest, waist) rather than relying on a single cross-body strap. This merged system provides both the capacity needed for mountain sports equipment and the stability required for active use, while still avoiding excessive pressure on the affected shoulder and chest area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Backpack; comprising: a body with at least one compartment for carrying various objects; a main support strap (2) on one of the shoulders and no second strap on the other shoulder; and a chest stabilizer comprised by a front strap (3) which is attached at opposite ends to an upper section of the main shoulder strap (2) over one shoulder, and to a lower section on the opposite side of the backpack (1), so that when in use it crosses the shoulder (H) and chest area (P) without putting pressure on one side of the user's body.