The Ecopack started out as a project to house the homeless. After researching the homeless concept, the social aspect of the pack was dropped to focus more attention on the design of the pack. The pack is a tent/backpack that works on a system of inflatable structures. The inflatable structure is made up a pneumatic tubing which auto inflates using a compression system. A study of different pneumatic tubing showed that even at 10 psi, the tubing could handle pressure of up to 130 lbs. The tubing is lightweight and extremely durable. The big plus is that it is easy to inflate with regular air compressors. The company most recognized with this innovative technology is Aerotube. The big problem with the tubing being so lightweight, was on how to keep it grounded. Ross and I studied the Aerotube Pool Shade design and found that it could be weighed down with water to keep the pool shade from flying away. We decided to duplicate the process by adding four corner bucket pouches that could be weighed down with water, rocks, sand, or other natural elements. The sketch shows the area where the pouches can be found.

Our next major concern was how to get the pack deflated with ease. A vacuum system was decided as the best choice to compliment the air compression system. The vacuum system could deflate the tent and help in ease the folding process. Using technology much liker the blower/exhauster unit shown below.