Pack Elevator Cradle for Rapid Item Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable packs do not facilitate easy access to items stored in compartments, causing delays and frustration, especially in security checkpoints where rapid retrieval is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A pack with an integrated elevator system that includes a movable cradle and a coupling system allowing the cradle to be lifted by a user grasp element, enabling items to protrude from the compartment for easy access and automatic return to a lowered position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If items are stored in compartments of traditional packs, then storage capacity is achieved, but access to items requires manual intensive effort and causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed to be movable within the compartment rather than fixed, allowing it to be raised and lowered on demand. This dynamic positioning enables quick access to items without manually searching through the entire compartment, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of access and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual input (pulling the grasp element) and the cradle's movement. This mediator translates simple user action into efficient cradle positioning, making item retrieval faster and easier without requiring direct manual manipulation of items deep within the compartment.
2Ease of operation
If a movable cradle system is added to the pack, then ease of access to items is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cradle for holding items, the coupling system for transmission, and the grasp element for user interaction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex function of item retrieval into manageable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed to automatically return the cradle to its lowered position after an item is retrieved, reducing the need for manual intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces operational complexity by eliminating the need for users to manually reset the cradle after each use.
3Volume of stationary object
If the cradle is positioned at the bottom of the compartment, then storage volume is maximized, but impact resistance against shock is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle's position is made dynamic rather than fixed at the bottom. When shock is detected or anticipated, the cradle can be raised to a safer position, protecting items from impact. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain bottom positioning for maximum volume while providing protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed to allow the cradle to be raised beforehand to protect items from potential shock or impact. This preventive positioning cushions items against harmful factors while maintaining storage efficiency, as the cradle can be quickly raised when protection is needed without permanently reducing storage volume.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pack having a body defining a volume for the containment of items. The body has a height, width, and depth, and, optionally, at least one body strap coupled to the pack body. An elevator system is associated with a compartment of the pack. The elevator system includes: (i) a cradle that is movable upwardly and downwardly in the compartment and which is configured with a support portion to receive an item storable in the compartment; and (ii) a coupling system that couples the cradle to a user grasp element disposed on the pack. The pulling of the grasp element lifts the cradle from a lower position in the compartment to a raised position. The raising of the cradle is sufficient to allow a stored item that is enclosable in the compartment to protrude from the compartment.