Hydration Reservoir Stability via Differential Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydration systems for packs tend to roll or tilt when filled with liquid, causing discomfort and instability, as they bulge outward, which is not suitable for portable use in activities like hiking or running.
Innovation Solution
A hydration system with a reservoir design featuring a front side and rear side of varying stiffness and material, maintaining a flat shape and center of mass displacement towards the pack's front panel as volume reduces, incorporating gusset or fan fold shapes to prevent rocking and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the reservoir is made flexible to store liquid, then the quantity of liquid storage is improved, but the reservoir tends to roll or tilt and becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir employs differential stiffness design where the front and rear sides have different mechanical properties compared to the first and second sides. Specifically, the front and rear sides maintain higher stiffness to provide structural support and stability, while the first and second sides have lower stiffness to allow flexibility for liquid storage and contraction. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing stability where needed while maintaining flexibility for liquid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir utilizes asymmetric geometry with gusset or fan fold shapes created by folding the first and second sides inward. This asymmetric structure prevents the reservoir from rolling or tilting by creating a stable base configuration that maintains the center of mass close to the user's back, while still allowing the reservoir to contract as liquid is consumed.
2Volume of moving object
If the reservoir bulges when filled with liquid, then the volume expansion is improved, but the center of mass shifts away from the pack causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The differential stiffness design concentrates structural rigidity in the front and rear sides while allowing the first and second sides to be more compliant. This enables the reservoir to expand in volume to hold liquid while maintaining a controlled shape that keeps the center of mass positioned close to the user's back, preventing discomfort during wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is designed to dynamically contract as liquid volume decreases. The flexible first and second sides allow the reservoir to reduce in volume while the stiffer front and rear sides maintain the overall shape and center of mass position, ensuring comfort is maintained throughout the liquid consumption process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the reservoir is made rigid to prevent rolling, then the stability is improved, but the flexibility for portable use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir implements spatially varying stiffness properties where front and rear sides are made stiffer to prevent rolling and tilting, while the first and second sides remain more flexible to allow the reservoir to conform to the pack and user body. This local differentiation enables the reservoir to be both stable and adaptable for portable use during activities like hiking or running.
Data Source
AI summary
A pack with a hydration system is disclosed. The hydration system includes a reservoir and a hose. The reservoir comprises a front side and a rear side that maintain a fixed cross section as liquid is filled and/or drained from the reservoir. Also, as the reservoir empties, the rear side contracts towards the front side, which displaces the center of mass of the reservoir closer to a wearer's back.