Composite Utility Backpack

Abstract

A school backpack plays a vital role in every student’s life. This led us to produce a school backpack that has a built-in study table that allows students to maximise opportunities for learning and has composite functions that can be useful and beneficial for their studies. We constructed 3 prototypes table made up of cardboard (prototype 1), flyboard (prototype 2), and fibreglass(prototype 3), to test the hypothesis that prototype 3 is both lightweight, durable and cheap, compared to other 2prototypes. Mass, durability, cost and design are the following variables we considered in designing the backpack. We sought the help of a professional sewer in constructing the prototype. The backpack was placed on a weighing scale to determine its mass, then a 3 kilograms load (a laptop and 3books) were placed on top of the table to test its durability. All the costs of used materials together with the labour of the one who helped in the making was all summed up to compute its cost. Based on the results, the backpack with a table made up of fibreglass and aluminium (prototype 3) is lesser in mass than prototype 2 (with a table made up of wood) and more durable than prototype 1 (with a table made up of card board). When it comes to its cost, it is also cheaper than that of the ones in the market that students usually use but offers a lot more features. This study showed that prototype 3 is lesser in mass and much durable because it is firm and stable despite the loads that were placed in it as compared to other prototypes. It is also cheaper as compared to the ones in the market than is commonly used by the students. When it comes to the design, the bag is also designed just like the backpacks that students usually have for it is fashionable.