Design and fabrication of floating backpack for power generation

R.Rahul Raj, A.Shalim Hamdan, K.Thurabudeen

Department of Mechanical, Vel Tech High Tech Dr.Rangarajan
Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Avadi-600 062.

Abstract

A Floating backpack is designed to reduce the impact load on the bag while walking and
running so that the large movements between the load and the wearer of the backpack is reduced
by the fluctuations of vertical motion of the load with respect to ground. Because the hip portion is
fixed and thus the pack body goes up a down and makes a good comfort during walking, a large
relative movement between the wearer and the load reduces the absolute exertion of the load and
thus reducing the likelihood of orthopedic injury. This movement is transferred to a motor
through, for example, a rack and pinion gear, to convert the mechanical movement to electrical
energy. The Floating backpack includes a suspension system (i.e. ball bearing slides and bungee
cord) having a first frame or portion is connected to shoulder straps directly and a second frame or
portion is connected to the pack body and a compliant mechanism that permits the second portion
of the suspension system and the pack body to move up and down relative to the first frame of the
suspension system in accordance with a gait of the wearer of the backpack.

Introduction

First by using domesticated animals and then by using machines (e.g., planes, trains, and
automobiles), humans have sought ways to reduce the weight they must personally carry. Even so,
humans seem destined to continue to transport considerable weights of food, clothing, medicines,
books and tools wherever they go. On a smooth, even surface, such as an airport terminal, people
can use wheels to move their loads from one place to another. On uneven terrain or in the
wilderness, however, small wheels are ineffective. Hence, the ubiquitous backpack remains the
preferred solution to move loads around with us. The backpack had a disadvantage while standing
still, a 50 LBS load in your backpack exerts 50 LBS of force (static weight). This change when
you walk or run, where the peak force exerted on you can be up to 3x the weight you are carrying.
The solution for this is Suspended Load Technology (SLT), which allows the carried load to
seamlessly move up and down with respect to the person walking or running. This keeps the load
at a constant height with respect to the ground.

Motivation
The motivation for this project came from the students who are suffered from carrying
heavy backpack which results in musculoskeletal pain, affect posture in adolescents by forward
trunk flexion 2cm and compressed the disc of lumber vertebra. While the National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recommended only two books (language and
mathematics) for Classes I and II. And army soldiers, commutators and travelers are also
affected by carrying heavy weight in their bag.

Materials and Methods

The materials required are bag, DC motor, aluminum frames, bungee cord, pulleys,
springs, charging slot and its requirements, Bolts and nuts and Other clamping devices.
 Designing of a bag accompanying the ball bearing sliders, stopper and adjuster, assembling the
slider, bungee cord, pulleys, aluminum rod on the frame. Analyzing the impact load, number of
oscillation and generation of voltage. Finally evaluating and comparing the result.

Characterization

The Floating bag reduce impact force up to 80%, when compared to normal bag and able
to produce 40W power from this backpack. From this bag we can able to charge mobile phones.
Working

The bag is connected with two frames which are placed opposite to each other and then the
frame is connected with the telescopic ball bearing slider. By using the bungee cord and small
pulleys, the two frames are connected. As a result, sliding and elastic motion takes place. Clamp is
used to prevent the slippage of the cord when the load is static. Hence with all these mechanical
elements fitted to the frames, the backpack now floats in the air. Hence it is known as floating
backpack. The movement of the floating backpack is converted into electrical energy by using the
rack and pinion setup in the frames. The DC motor is fixed in the pinion, the output is connected
to the rectifier and then to the capacitor, regulator and lithium battery and charger booster. Where
the mobile phone is charged.

Advantages
It reduces the impact force by up to 80%, It reduces the potential for injury, it increases endurance,
and it reduces exertion.

Conclusion

The Floating backpack was designed and fabricated. This bag reduces the impact force.
And also used to charge the mobile phones by using suspended load technology. The bag can be
adjusted according to the load applied.

Guide: DR. N.Gayathri, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical, Vel Tech High Tech
Dr.Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Avadi – 600 062.