What it does
Modular Photogear Backpack solves multi-scene adaptability, extreme weather protection, anti-loss & eco-sustainability issues. • 3-Section Customization for daily/pro/outdoor use • IPX8 waterproofing & shockproof EVA foam
Your inspiration
As a photographer trekking through Sichuan's highlands, I faced three pain points: modular bags couldn't mount tripods securely; sudden rain ruined equipment despite "waterproof" claims; and GPS trackers drained batteries within hours. These frustrations sparked my solution: a backpack integrating aerospace-grade quick-release buckles for tripod mounting, GORE-TEX® with seam-sealing tech for true stormproofing, and ultra-low-power GPS chips that last 30 days. The idea crystallized when I saw climbers jury-rigging duct tape to attach gear—proving that elegance lies in unified resilience.
How it works
The core innovation is a tri-modular system with aerospace-grade quick-release buckles (compatible with tripods). The 3-layer GORE-TEX® construction achieves IPX8 waterproofing via heat-sealed seams, while 3mm shock-absorbing EVA foam protects against 1.5m drops. Smart functions use a NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller paired with a NEO-6M GPS module – consuming only 0.2W in sleep mode (30-day standby). The companion app employs Bluetooth 5.0 triangulation to activate GPS only when the bag moves beyond a 15m geofence, preventing battery drain. Internally, modular dividers with Velcro®-free magnetic clasps enable tool-free reconfiguration within seconds.
Design process
1. Problem Identification & Definition • Conduct user research to pinpoint pain points (e.g., 68% photographers reported strap discomfort) • Define technical specs (e.g., IPX8 waterproofing, ≤1kg weight) via competitive analysis 2. Solution Development & Conceptualization • Brainstorm solutions (e.g., modular structures, geofencing GPS) through sketches and technical feasibility studies • Filter concepts via KANO model (basic/expected/excitement demands) 3. Prototyping & Technical Validation • Build functional prototypes: ▸ Electronics: Integrate NodeMCU ESP8266 + NEO-6M GPS with 20mA sleep mode ▸ Structure: Test aerospace buckles (7075-T6 alloy) under 50kg load • Simulate user scenarios in VR for ergonomic checks 4. Testing, Evaluation & Optimization • Rigorous testing: ▸ User trials: Redesign strap angle from 15°→22° to eliminate neck pinching ▸ Performance: Upgrade to 3mm shock-absorbing EVA after 1.5m drop test failure • Iterate based on feedback (e.g., 83% requested detachable mid-section) 5. Implementation & Iteration • Finalize production-ready design with cost-effective materials • Deploy post-launch updates via user data analysis
How it is different
1. Smart Modularity Beyond Stacking: ◦ Aerospace-grade aluminum buckles (7075-T6 alloy, 500kg tensile strength) enable 1-sec tripod mounting (solves Fig4 wobbling issue) ◦ Magnetized dividers replace Velcro® (Fig1), resisting fabric fraying while allowing tool-free reconfiguration in 3s 2. True All-Weather Defense: ◦ Triple-layer GORE-TEX® with thermal-sealed seams (IPX8 verified by 30min submersion) outperforms competitors' "water-resistant" claims (Fig2 survey shows 0% IPX8) ◦ 3mm EVA foam + 300D tear-proof nylon base absorbs 1.5m drop impact (Fig1 material specs) 3. Energy-Smart Tracking: ◦ NodeMCU ESP8266 + NEO-6M GPS (Fig3 circuit) consumes only 20mA in sleep mode (1/7 of market average), activating GPS only when Bluetooth 5.0 detects >15m separation 4. User-Driven Evolution: ◦ Fat/male & petite/female fit-testing (Fig4) informed shoulder strap angles and modular sizing
Future plans
1. Military-Grade Positioning Upgrade to dual-band GPS + LiDAR SLAM (Fig1 technical schema) for indoor/forest positioning, addressing Fig4 "GPS failure in complex terrain" feedback. 2. Living Material Evolution Replace plastic parts with self-healing mycelium composite (Fig1 "B Biodegradable" notation) – decomposes in 60 days vs. 500-year plastic. 3. AI-Cloud Ecosystem Develop scene-aware accessory recommendations (Fig4 app mockup): ◦ Analyzes EXIF data + weather → auto-suggests ND filters/diffusers ◦ Cloud sync modular configs via Fig3 "Photographic Module" API Implementation:
Awards
LANQIAO CUP COMPETITION
Share this page on