Equipment Bag Air Circulation Insert for In-Bag Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipment stored in gear bags often remains damp due to inadequate air circulation, leading to bacterial growth and odor issues.
Innovation Solution
An insertable air circulation device with vents and dividers is placed inside the bag to facilitate drying and compartmentalization of equipment, connected to an air source for directed airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If equipment is stored in a closed gear bag, then equipment is protected and easily transportable, but air circulation is insufficient leading to damp conditions and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple compartments by dividers, creating separate storage spaces for different equipment items. This segmentation allows air to reach different areas of the bag more effectively while keeping equipment organized and protected
Solution Approach 2:
An air circulation device is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the equipment inside the bag. This device provides a controlled pathway for air to enter the bag, enabling drying and ventilation while maintaining the protective closed environment
2Productivity
If equipment is removed from the bag for drying, then drying efficiency improves, but time loss and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base with dividers is pre-positioned inside the gear bag before equipment needs drying. This preliminary setup allows equipment to be dried in-place without removal, eliminating time loss while maintaining efficient drying capability through the air circulation device
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables equipment to dry itself within the bag using the air circulation device, eliminating the need for manual removal and repositioning of equipment. The base structure supports equipment in optimal positions for air exposure
3Ease of operation
If dividers are added to compartmentalize equipment, then equipment organization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into compartments using dividers that create distinct storage spaces. This segmentation achieves excellent equipment organization while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates seamlessly with the air circulation device
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Equipment dries efficiently without removal, maintaining hygiene and warmth, suitable for various sports gear bags.
Implementation Method 1
an air coupler configured to be connected to an air source to direct a flow of air into the inner volume of the base
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for an equipment bag air circulation device according to various aspects of the present technology comprise an insertable body configured to be placed inside of an equipment bag to facilitate the drying of equipment after use without having to remove the equipment from the bag. The body has a flat base with a set of openings for allowing air to flow outward from an inner volume of the base. A set of dividers may be selectively connected to an upward facing surface of the base to create two or more compartments within the equipment bag sized to hold pieces of equipment. The body may also comprise an air coupler configured to be connected to an air source to direct a flow of air into the inner volume of the base.