Backpack Inflatable Floatation Aid With Sensor-Based Catastrophe Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional travel cases lack integrated safety, tracking, and recovery features, relying on vehicle-level systems and occupying valuable space with conventional safety equipment, which are perceived as adding cost and complexity with insufficient reliability for passenger-level protection during catastrophic events.
Innovation Solution
A modular travel case system incorporating a backpack design with an inflatable floatation aid, sensors, a processor, and communication devices that automatically deploy a floatation device and send location information in case of a catastrophic event, providing personal safety, tracking, and recovery features without significant space intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional safety equipment is integrated into travel cases, then passenger-level protection during catastrophic events is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions (floatation, location tracking, catastrophe detection) into a single integrated travel case system. The processor combines sensor outputs from multiple sensors (accelerometer, altimeter, magnetometer, microphone) to detect catastrophic events, and controls both the locator beacon and inflator through a unified control system, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The travel case system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides floatation through the inflatable aid, tracks location via the locator beacon with GPS and communication transmitters, detects catastrophic events through multiple sensors, and enables two-way communication. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate safety devices into one unified system
2Reliability
If conventional safety equipment is integrated into travel cases, then passenger-level protection during catastrophic events is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves passenger-level protection through a multi-functional design that consolidates floatation, tracking, detection, and communication capabilities into one unit. This approach eliminates the need for multiple separate safety devices, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive protection
3Reliability
If sensors and safety systems are added to travel cases, then catastrophic event detection capability is improved, but volume and space occupied increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system strategically places sensors and components in locations that maximize detection capability while minimizing space consumption. The processor selectively combines sensor outputs from specific sensors (accelerometer, altimeter, magnetometer, microphone) positioned throughout the case to detect catastrophic events, optimizing the distribution of safety components within available space
4Loss of time
If automatic deployment systems are implemented, then response time during catastrophic events is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with multiple sensors and an automatic control system that continuously monitors environmental parameters. When catastrophic events are detected through sensor data analysis, the processor automatically triggers the locator beacon and inflator without requiring user intervention, enabling immediate response while the automation is managed through a consolidated control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The processor continuously receives feedback from multiple sensors (accelerometer, altimeter, magnetometer, microphone) monitoring environmental parameters. This feedback loop enables automatic detection of catastrophic events and triggers appropriate responses (locator beacon activation, inflator deployment) based on real-time sensor data analysis, reducing response time while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized control
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device is interoperable with a backpack system having a case body defining an interior cavity in which to carry articles and an exterior shell, having a mass and volume when fully loaded with articles suitable for an individual to carry; an inflatable floatation aid fixed to the exterior shell; and, an inflator in communication with the inflatable floatation aid, for inflation of the inflatable floatation aid. The mobile device includes: a locator beacon, including a communications transmitter capable of signaling a remote party and a geo-locating apparatus; sensors producing sensor outputs indicative of plural environmental parameters of the mobile device; and a processor having outputs for communication with the locator beacon in the mobile device and the inflator in the backpack system.