Modular Truss Spacer for Backpack Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backpacks and spacers fail to provide effective airflow between the user and the bag, leading to sweaty and hot conditions, especially in hot weather, due to the lack of substantial airflow and adjustable spacing, and often result in discomfort and odor issues from sweat absorption.
Innovation Solution
A modular, truss-like spacer device with adjustable supports and loops that removably attach to wearable bags, creating larger airflow pockets by maintaining a uniform distance between the user's back and the bag, allowing for personal comfort and back support adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If foam mesh is used to absorb sweat, then sweat absorption is improved, but temperature reduction and sweat evaporation are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the foam mesh material entirely and replaces it with a frame structure that creates open air spaces. This extraction of the absorbing material allows direct airflow and evaporation to occur without the mesh barrier, solving the contradiction by eliminating the need for absorption while enabling temperature reduction through evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes airflow (pneumatics) by creating open spaces between the pack and back that allow air to circulate freely. This airflow enables sweat evaporation and cooling without requiring foam mesh absorption, directly addressing the temperature reduction need while maintaining moisture management through evaporation rather than absorption.
2Length of stationary object
If a frame is permanently attached to space the pack from the user, then spacing is improved, but interchangeability and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple separate components including vertical supports, horizontal supports, and connection elements that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the frame to be removed from one pack and attached to another, maintaining the spacing function while enabling interchangeability and adaptability across different pack models.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates adjustable connection points and movable support elements that can be repositioned to accommodate different pack geometries and spacing requirements. This dynamic design allows the same frame to adapt to various pack types while maintaining effective airflow spacing, resolving the contradiction between fixed spacing and adaptability.
3Length of stationary object
If curved frames are used to allow space between user and pack, then spacing is improved, but airflow freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a continuous curved frame, the patent uses discrete vertical and horizontal support elements connected at joints. This segmentation creates multiple independent airflow channels between the supports, allowing air to flow freely through the spaced regions without being constrained by a continuous curved structure, thus maintaining spacing while maximizing airflow productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a modular connection system that allows the frame to be assembled in different configurations. By changing the dimensional arrangement of supports from fixed curved to adjustable linear/modular configurations, airflow paths are optimized in multiple directions, increasing overall airflow freedom while maintaining necessary spacing.
4Stability of the object's composition
If frames are made stiff to maintain structure, then structural stability is improved, but comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple rigid support elements connected by flexible or adjustable joints. This segmentation allows each support element to maintain structural stability independently while the connections provide flexibility and adaptability to user movement, resolving the contradiction between stiffness for stability and flexibility for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates adjustable connection mechanisms that allow the rigid supports to be positioned and secured at optimal locations. This dynamic adjustability enables the frame to maintain structural stability in use while being customizable to fit different user preferences and movement patterns, improving comfort without sacrificing stability.
5Ease of operation
If frames are made soft to improve comfort, then comfort is improved, but structural collapse and airflow restriction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The frame uses multiple thin rigid support elements rather than a single soft structure. These segmented rigid elements maintain structural integrity and prevent collapse while creating sufficient spacing for airflow. The segmentation allows the supports to be lightweight and comfortable yet individually strong enough to maintain their shape and function.
6Device complexity
If no adjustment is provided for spacing, then device simplicity is improved, but personal comfort and airflow control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into adjustable components with multiple connection points that can be repositioned independently. This segmentation provides simple mechanical adjustment capability where users can modify spacing by moving individual supports to different positions, maintaining device simplicity while enabling personalized comfort and airflow control.
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
The spacer device enhances airflow and evaporates sweat, dispersing heat effectively, providing improved comfort and personalizable support without the limitations of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
allows for airflow between the wearable bag and the wearer's back... allows for much larger pockets that allow air to touch more of the person's back and therefore produce a better airflow between the user and pack... evaporates sweat, dispersing heat effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer device with a modular, truss-like structure for creating airflow between a user and a wearable bag may include a first panel having a first substantially planar web-like body, a second panel spaced from the first panel, the second panel having a second substantially planar web-like body, a plurality of modular supports extending between the first panel and the second panel, such that a distance between the first panel and the second panel is substantially uniform and adjustable, and a plurality of extension loops extending from an outer surface of the spacer device, the plurality of extension loops each being sized to accommodate placement of a strap therethrough.