Carbon Articulating Backpack Spine

In the field, firefighters and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel need to transport variable loads efficiently, safely, and comfortably while simultaneously performing certain physical tasks. Current models of external and internal framed backpacks distribute the load of a pack efficiently, but do not allow for the natural movement of the wearer. Wolfpack Gear, Inc. proposed the need for a system which both effectively carries a load and allows for the unhindered natural movement of the user. The goal of this project was to design, build, and test an articulating backpack support system. The first stage of the project comprised of the groundwork necessary to establish a design concept: defining the problem, outlining the scope of the project, researching the current market and patents, and completing an extensive brainstorming and ideation phase. The second quarter of the project focused on turning the proposed concept into a concrete design through engineering analysis, extensive solid modeling, and initial prototyping. The final phase of the project was to construct a functional prototype that was then tested and iterated upon