Backpack Airbag Enclosure Zipper Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag rescue systems face issues with inefficient and unreliable deployment of inflatable balloons due to insufficient pressure to open the enclosure, cumbersome leg strap mechanisms, and improper load distribution, leading to potential separation from the user or injury during activation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a backpack with a restricting element to concentrate zipper separation forces perpendicular to the engagement line, facilitating efficient airbag deployment, and an improved leg strap assembly with adjustable length and easy one-handed connection/disconnection, ensuring proper load transfer and preventing the system from being pulled up or off the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a zippered opening is used to retain the airbag in the backpack enclosure, then the enclosure can be closed and secured, but the distributed pressure from the inflating airbag is insufficient to cause the zipper to open, preventing proper release and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific region of reduced zipper strength (the burst region) at a targeted location. This localized weakness allows the zipper to fail in a controlled manner when the airbag inflates, converting the uniformly distributed pressure into concentrated separation force at the burst region. The restricting element further concentrates this force perpendicular to the zipper engagement line, ensuring reliable opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the restricting element and defining the burst region before airbag inflation occurs. These features are prepared in advance to concentrate the separation force at the correct location and orientation when deployment is needed, ensuring the zipper opens reliably without requiring additional activation mechanisms.
2Strength
If a looped leg strap design is used to attach to the waist belt, then the leg strap can be connected, but the user must use both hands to thread the waist band through the loop before connecting the buckle, making it cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the leg strap attachment system into separate functional components: a quick-connect buckle mechanism for easy attachment/detachment, and a separate threading path for the waist band. This segmentation allows the user to connect the leg strap to the backpack body with one hand while the waist band threading is handled independently, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary element (the quick-connect buckle) that mediates between the leg strap and the waist belt system. This intermediary allows for easy connection and disconnection without requiring the user to manually thread the waist band through a loop, while still providing secure attachment when engaged.
3Device complexity
If the leg strap is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the airbag safety system may ride up on the user's torso during use or activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the leg strap adjustable in length rather than fixed. This allows the user to adapt the leg strap length to their body and packing configuration, preventing the airbag system from riding up on the torso during use or activation. The adjustability is achieved through simple mechanisms like buckles or sliders that maintain structural simplicity while providing the necessary dynamic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the leg strap length parameter to be adjusted by the user. This simple parameter adjustment enables the system to adapt to different users and loading conditions, preventing the airbag from riding up while maintaining overall structural simplicity through minimal adjustment mechanisms.
4Speed
If pressurized gas canister inflation is used, then rapid inflation is achieved, but the system is susceptible to failure of the airbag to release from its enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific burst region with reduced zipper strength at a targeted location. This localized weakness ensures that when rapid inflation occurs from the pressurized gas canister, the separation force is concentrated at the burst region, causing the zipper to open reliably. The restricting element further concentrates this force perpendicular to the zipper engagement line, ensuring the airbag releases from the enclosure even during rapid inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the restricting element and defining the burst region before inflation occurs. These features are prepared in advance to handle the rapid pressure build-up from the gas canister, ensuring the zipper fails in a controlled manner at the correct location and orientation, thereby maintaining release reliability during rapid inflation.
Data Source
AI summary
A backpack including a body including a first enclosure defining a first compartment and an opening, an inflatable balloon positioned within the compartment, a zipper, a balloon inflation system, and an actuator. The first enclosure includes at least a first restricting element. The zipper includes first and second fastener tapes attached to the enclosure at the opening. The zipper includes at least a first targeted zipper separation location aligned with the first restricting element. The balloon inflation system is coupled to the body and the inflatable balloon. The actuator is operably coupled to the balloon inflation system, such that upon actuation of the inflation system with the zipper in a closed position, the first restricting element concentrates a zipper separation force in a direction generally perpendicular to an engagement line of the zipper to separate the first and second fastener tapes of the zipper at the first targeted zipper location.