Ballistic Backpack with Integrated Camera and Safety Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Backpacks are often prohibited in schools and venues due to concerns about carrying weapons, and there is a need for enhanced safety and health features to address incidents like mass shootings and child abductions, while also accommodating personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and sanitizers.

Innovation Solution

A backpack system with integrated health and physical safety components, including a watertight and ballistic-resistant design, LED lights, a camera system with audiovisual capabilities, a system controller for location tracking and communication, and features like a ballistic-resistant hood and cape, along with storage for PPE, sanitizing wipes, and a sanitizer bottle, all connected via a mobile application for real-time monitoring and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a backpack is constructed with ballistic resistant material to provide protection against weapons, then physical safety is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backpack integrates multiple safety functions into a single device: ballistic protection through resistant materials, location tracking via GPS module, emergency communication through two-way radio, and health monitoring with camera and sensors. This multi-functional integration resolves the contradiction by consolidating complexity into one universal safety system rather than separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The backpack employs composite construction combining ballistic resistant materials with standard fabric layers, creating a multi-layer structure that provides protection while managing weight. The composite design allows selective reinforcement in high-risk areas without uniformly increasing the entire backpack's weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a backpack includes integrated camera system, location tracking, and communication devices for safety monitoring, then child safety is improved, but the weight and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechild safetyVSAvoidbackpack weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The safety monitoring system is segmented into independent modular components: GPS location tracker, camera module, two-way radio, and battery pack. Each module can be independently powered or activated, allowing the backpack to operate with reduced weight by enabling only essential functions during different situations rather than continuously running all systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camera system and sensors operate in periodic or event-triggered mode rather than continuous operation. The camera activates periodically to check surroundings or when motion is detected, and the communication system transmits location data at intervals or when emergency conditions are detected, significantly reducing power consumption and effective weight during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If a backpack provides real-time communication and monitoring capabilities through integrated systems, then emergency response is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency responseVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backpack system automatically performs safety functions without requiring active user operation. The GPS continuously tracks location, the camera captures images on schedule or when triggered by sensors, and the system automatically transmits emergency alerts when danger is detected. This self-service operation resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for complex manual operation while maintaining reliable emergency response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms where sensors detect environmental conditions, the camera monitors surroundings, and the system responds by transmitting alerts or notifications to guardians. This automated feedback loop ensures emergency response without requiring the user to manually operate complex controls, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240090652A1Backpack system with integrated health and physical safety components
Publication Date: 2024.03.21 HERRON DERRICK
  • US20240090652A1 patent drawing
  • US20240090652A1 patent drawing
  • US20240090652A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A backpack system includes a main body having a plurality of sides that define an interior space. The main body is constructed from a watertight and transparent material or a ballistic resistant material, and includes a disposable face mask pocket along one side. A first shoulder strap includes a pocket for storing and dispensing moist sanitizing wipes, and a second shoulder strap includes a pocket for storing a bottle of sanitizing solution having a pump-style dispenser. At least one light and a camera system is disposed along the main body. The camera system includes a digital camera, a speaker and a microphone. A system controller includes a location tracking module and a wireless communication unit. A mobile application communicates with the communication unit to receive audiovisual information and performs two way voice and video communications. A ballistic resistant hood and cape are secured on the backpack body.