Solar Panel Emergency Backpack

Mez, Jack, Luis, Manisha, Tasin, Daouda

Writing For Engineers

Ms. Crystal Rodwell

November 13, 2018

Table Of Contents

 

1. Summary Page 3
2. Introduction Page 4
3. Proposed Program Page 6
4. Innovation Process Page 11
5. Appendices & Conclusion Page 13
6. References Page 14

 

Summary

The Solar Panel Emergency Backpack is a safety backpack for those going into harsh or potentially dangerous environments. The backpack can be used for both recreational activities, such as hiking or rock climbing, as well as for professional uses such as rescue teams. The main purpose of this backpack is to provide all the essential necessities one would need if a severe situation have occured. The Solar Panel Emergency backpack is a personal item that is easy to carry, has a nice appearance, lightweight, and affordable. The backpack allows the user to use his/her arms and legs freely so the backpack does not interfere with any activities.  

Our backpack contains solar panels to charge portable devices. The solar panels also power a cooling system in a small insulated pocket in case some items carried are required to be kept at a certain temperature.  The backpack is made of pack cloth nylon compared to average backpacks that are made out of polyester. Packcloth nylon is a much more durable material and guarantees that the backpack will last for years, unlike polyester. Furthermore, our backpack is built with the containment of first aid equipment as a priority with its interior design positioned in a way that none of the electronics can be compressed or damaged by other items stored in the bag as well as the cooling pocket being able to hold fragile items due to its placement on the side rather than amongst the other pockets. The compact easy-to-carry design of the backpack enables the user to carry the essential items needed while maintaining freedom of their hands and arms. Because the backpack is a personal item, the pockets can be made small because you won’t be carrying essential items in bulk for multiple people and this allows the cooling system to use minimal power from the power supply. This backpack can be used by all people and in all situations, but will be most effective with individuals who enjoy spending time exploring.

 

Introduction

In 2018, natural disasters have been occurring around the world at a frightening rate. So far, there have been earthquakes that have ruined cities, wildfires that have spread across thousands of acres, and hurricanes that have caused mass flooding and damage in property. For example, on September 28, 2018, the island of Indonesia experienced an earthquake and tsunami that left 2.4 million of its citizens displaced as they waited for supplies which caused them to resort to looting to gather any necessities. Our proposal is a safety backpack, named Solar Panel Emergency Backpack, that is very durable and designed to make it possible for the user to go into dangerous and unsafe conditions.

The Backpack is a useful tool in carrying multiple items with simple variations that have been made throughout the years with small innovations. Small innovations, such as backpacks with one or two straps, to large innovations, such as solar powered backpacks. We want a product that is easy to use and carry while providing all necessary safety equipment one would need in an emergency situation without the use of multiple bags. The Solar Panel Emergency Backpack would allow the individual to travel light with one bag carrying all essentials as well as allowing the freedom of hands and arm movement. Our Backpack is designed for safety and is designed for those going into potentially unsafe environments. For example, rescue teams that are using these backpacks can aid civilians after a natural disaster event and do not have to wait for supplies to arrive. In addition, the backpack can also be utilized for those participating in dangerous recreational activities such as mountain climbing.

The backpack provides power for electronics through a power supply that can be recharged by use of the built-in solar panels. The backpack also contains a pocket that is insulated and can be cooled by the use of cooling unit inside which is powered from the power supply. This allows for the preservation of items that must be at a specific temperature, such as edibles and medical items. Even though the backpack has a compact design because of the electronics within, it is still possible to store many items in the backpack, including medical equipment, food, or personal items. In comparison to other solar powered backpacks, the split solar panels as well as the materials used in the backpack allows for more flexibility that does not limit the user’s movement. The positions of the electronics in the backpack are also taken into consideration to prevent any damage inside the backpack because of the user’s movement and participation in rough activities. The backpack will also be water resistant since the fabric will be Pack-Cloth Nylon which will help the backpack to last a reasonable amount of years and maintain its integrity through the toughest environments and activities.

It is important to keep in mind that a regular backpack is cheaper than our product because of the lack of electronics functions and durable materials. However, they will be insufficient during dangerous and intense situations since they will not be suitable enough in those conditions. Our product can be used for activities, such as hiking or camping, but when it comes down to intense situation, the idea “quality over quantity” comes into factor. One does not settle for less than the best products because if anything goes wrong it could mean the worst; when it comes down to equipment no one would rely on just average.

 

 

Proposed Program

Our product is mainly used for harsh, potentially dangerous situations. The built-in power supply allows for the charging of electronics that may not be able to be charged due to damages caused by natural disasters as well as powering the cooling unit that can be used to maintain items, such as vaccines, that require specific temperatures to be maintained. This power supply can also be recharged through the use of the solar panels mounted on the front. The backpack also comes with first aid equipment in case of injury. The electronics are encased in waterproof materials with the rest of the bag being water resistant. The main innovation of this bag is the cooling unit inside. Some medical equipment is required to be kept at certain temperatures and this bag allows for the easy transport of this equipment while retaining the required temperature in an insulated pocket.

The opening flap of the backpack opens vertically in order to make it more water resistant because there is no opening directly into the bag from the top. There is an opening on the right side that corresponds with the right side pocket on the arm strap. This opening has overlapping layers with the hole facing downwards in order to prevent water and other materials from entering. This leads to a USB port connected to the power supply in the bag yet is sealed off of the entire bag so in the event of water entering and damaging the USB port that is the only thing this hole leads to and other parts of the bag are left uncompromised. A charging cable can be led from this USB port to a phone in the front right strap pocket. The cable goes over the shoulder in order to minimize entanglement when in motion. There are three separate solars panels connected by relay to the power supply. The reason for this is because if one large solar panel was used flexibility would be an issue and the panels would be more susceptible to damage. Another reason for three separate panels is that if one is damaged the other two can still function properly and maintain usability. The combination of these two allows for a more durable solar panel backpack. The panels are encased in a clear plastic that allows sunlight to permeate but protects the panels from the outside environment. A disadvantage to using plastic to glass is that not as much light is capable of permitting but the advantages are that it is more durable and light.

Image: Front Flap

 

The adjustable arm straps have an also adjustable chest buckle, this allows the weight of the bag to be lifted off the back and shoulders and dispersed throughout the upper body making the bag easier to carry long distances. The right arm strap has a flexible pocket for a phone or other devices to be charged with the cable from the front and held in a secure place.

 

The inside of the opening flap holds the power supply connected directly to the opposite side of solar panel 1 with the same dimensions allowing for the same amount of flexibility. The power supply is also connected to the USB port by cable and not directly so that if the USB port is damaged it won’t affect the power supply. The power supply is positioned on the inner top of the bag in order to prevent damage and make it more comfortable, no weight will be placed on top of the power supply from within the bag and because it is on the inner side of the flap it will not jut into the users back causing unnecessary pain. There is also a cable connecting the power supply to the cooling system on the left side of the bag. Lastly, there is a pocket with a zipper if the user wishes to hold personal items here.

 

This is the inside left side of the backpack that contains the cooling unit. Connected to the power supply by cable on the left the cooling unit is within an insulated pocket sealed by a zipper that allows it to retain its temperature, the small size of the pocket allows it to be more energy efficient. The reason for it being on the side of the bag is to allow space for the irregular shape of any object placed within this pocket to not just into the user. This also ensures the safety of the item because nothing within the bag will be placed on top of it.

 

Image: Cooling Pocket

 

This is the outside of the left side of the bag, all it contains is the retractable AC/DC power adapter that has prongs that fold inward. The cable that connects the power supply to the cooling unit splits and runs down the cooling unit to the power adaptor directly below the pocket. Protruding directly under the cooling unit an inverted pocket that holds the power adaptor has little ability to get in the way of other items in the bag and because it is within it cannot get caught on items outside. The foldable prongs make it so nothing is sticking out of the bag but having the entire adaptor retractable allows it to be pulled out and connected to an outlet when the backpack is not in use.

 

All electrical items connected to the power supply by cable are positioned relatively close to it in order to shorten the cable and reduce possible damages. Cables are all embedded into the bag and do not run loose so that no items can get tangled and damage electronics.

 

Image: Backpack

Innovation Process

Backpacks are easily mass produced for cheap costs while costs can be reduced to below the dollar that can only be done due to misconduct in management, The average backpack can be manufactured from as low as $2 a unit because the materials used it the main cost for a regular backpack it can change the manufacturing cost of the unit, the material we are using is Pack cloth nylon a strong, durable, waterproof, and overall expensive material with a cost of around three times the material polyester. Pack cloth nylon is around $6 per yard, 60 inches wide. The cost to manufacture the backpack itself will be around triple the cost of an average polyester backpack. The average solar panel 10 inches by 3 inches is around $18 and each backpack contains 3 totaling the price at around $54. Lastly, the cooling unit will cost around $15, miniature fridges cost around $40 full product, but when reduced to just the cooling unit removing materials production costs and other aspects the most a small cooling unit can cost will be around $15. Manufacture costs per unit will be around $75 not including assembly costs.

The mass production of backpacks takes a very short time also allowing for a reduction in price. While on the more expensive side, the quality materials and the multitude of uses justify the pricing. Since the fabric, Pack-Cloth Nylon is waterproof, it will be perfect for the backpack to be resistant to rain or snow when going into harsh or potentially dangerous environments. When constructing this backpack it will be “made of ultra-strong nylon material and YKK-grade zippers and straps of nylon” YKK zippers, over half the zippers used in the world, are known for their consistent quality and high-grade production with every detail in the product being done under YKK roofs. Our backpacks will be heavy-duty so you can use it for years to come. Since the backpacks can be mass produced it will take a short time them to be fully completed. The estimated cost of the backpack will be total around $150 to $200.

Solar panel backpacks alone range from $50 to $300, so with the inclusion of the other features, such as a cooling unit and durable materials like pack cloth nylon, our backpack is still on the lower price range and a more than reasonable purchase for those looking for an amazing product. For instance, the company BirkSun sells solar panel backpacks for about $160. They believe to have said that 2 minutes in the sun will provide 1% charge. However, for our backpack, we have a much better style and includes a cooling system. For our backpacks, we create 1% power for 1 minute rather than 2 minutes like BirkSun.

 

 

Appendices and Conclusion

There are many similar designs that involve either solar powered models or plain old backpacks that have thermals on the inside. Many popular solar-powered backpacks include the ECEEN External Frame Backpack, SolarGoPack or the Voltaic Solar Converter Daypack. All of these different companies provide premium solar panels and vary between the power of the solar panel it carries. The ECEEN External Frame Backpack holds 10 W of power. Discussing only the solar panel aspect of our backpack, it can hold up to 30 W of power because of the maximum input of solar panels on the backpack.

   After the first prototype, we will constantly perform experiments on the backpack to test its durability and functionality. The backpack will be subjected to a multitude of harsh conditions as well as put through a series of rough tests in order to evaluate durability and ensure the best product for our consumers. At the laboratory, we test for packing space, comfort performance, wind resistance, durability, and effectiveness of the thermal and cooling system. Through the inner works of the backpack, we can ensure the safety and protection of a person’s material objects and emergency needs in one backpack.

     The Solar Panel Emergency Backpack is the forefront of practical safety devices and is a huge improvement to the safety of individuals doing recreational activities as well as be a huge help to those who provide aid to those in need such as first responders. At a reasonable price of $150, this extremely durable multi-use product has the potential to save your life. Our manufacturing company can take our delivery within the day and process 50,000 pieces in about 7 to 8 weeks.

 

 

Reference Page

2018 Indonesia Earthquake: Facts, FAQs, and How to Help. World Vision Staff, 30 Nov. 2018.

BirkSun (2018). Solar Backpacks: The Natural Specs of Solar Backpacks,https://www.birksun.com/collections/all-products/products/festival-festival-desert

Amazon (2018). ECEEN: Eceen External Frame Pack Hiking Camping Backpack 2l Hydration Bladder Solar Bag, https://www.ebay.com/p/Eceen-External-Frame-Pack-Hiking-Camping-Backpack-2l-Hydration-Bladder-Solar-Bag/549284773?iid=132643354715&chn=ps

Amazon (2018). SolarGoPack: SolarGoPack solar powered backpack, charges mobile devices, Take Your Power with You, 12k mAh L-ion Battery, Black & Blue – Stay Charged my Friends, https://www.amazon.com/SolarGoPack-powered-backpack-charges-devices/dp/B007UTSI3U

YKK Corperation (2017). Fastening Products Group, YKK Zippers: Quality, https://www.ykkfastening.com/quality/

BurlapFabric.com (2018). Burlap: 420 DENIER NYLON PU BLACK – 59″ WIDE BY THE YARD, http://burlapfabric.com/denier-nylon/420-denier-nylon-black-59-wide-by-the-yard?gclid=Cj0KCQiA6JjgBRDbARIsANfu58HMmZV5BOsAwkfa6xjobu0j2s1CNnGunPc9zt5JGJ_1mnXWxI5bPi8aAs40EALw_wcB

Peter, Hwang. (2013-Present). Quora: How much does it cost to manufacture a backpack?, https://www.quora.com/How-much-does-it-cost-to-manufacture-a-backpack