A self-feeding rope backpack for technical rope access units of the fire department.
This was the final year project of the BSc Product Design course at Bournemouth University. The project aim was to streamline the packing of static rigging ropes in a rescue scenario.
Currently, ropes are packed hand over hand into a bag, which is a time-consuming process, a commodity not available in a high stress situation. Ventusis a motorised pack which allowes users to save valuable seconds whilst under pressure.
Simplicity and serviceability.
The design had to be intuitive for the fire service, as well as undergoing some gruelling work environments. As a result, the final design was easy to take apart and clean, as well as replacing bushings and the feed wheels when they wore out.
Functioning Prototype.
The design was tested with a handmade fully functional prototype. All elements including the backpack were specifically designed for the purpose. Ready-made elements such as electronics, bushing and motors were specified.
This project was awarded the James Dyson Foundation Bursary and was supported by the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
