Product outline:
It is unfortunate that many people are under the snare of disaster attacks. Many would face the challenge of survival. The dire necessity for food, water and electricity is EXTREMELY PARAMOUNT. FFD caters to provide a SOURCE of clean, sterile water in the FIRST FEW CRITICAL days following a humanitarian disaster. It is carried as a backpack during travel/evacuation and swapped over, as a Chest Pack once the user requires filtered water/electricity. The design allows contaminated water to be pumped and filtered through a simple, effortless hand action. While not all 100% clean, this filtered water will allow survivors a cleaner source of drinkable water UNTIL HELP REACHES them. The hand motion to filter water also allows ELECTRICITY to be GENERATED and STORED for immediate needs. For instance, to power up a mobile phone to call for help, charging of personal devices/torches/radios etc all done via a universal USB enable port. This project aims to identify the dire needs of survival victims before help arrives during the FIRST FEW DAYS after a calamity, which is the need for WATER and ELECTRICITY. FFD grants the victim REASSURANCE, RELIABILITY and SECURITY in the midst of chaos.
Conceptual influence:
The increasing threats of disasters in the world that causes victims to scavenge for basic needs: water, food, electricity, ignited an interest to tackle the situation. While identifying a niche for humanitarian aid in 2012, Hurricane Sandy appeared all over the headlines. Articles after articles describe victims in search for ELECTRICAL OUTLETS to CHARGE their mobile devices have seem to be a new norm, which can be of significant importance. With FFD, victims can power their phones to call for help, getting their torches to run again, or even consider cooking, and at the same time, filter water for consumption. The idea to SYNTHESIZE the two needs of water and electricity in producing a CONSTANT SUPPLY through a human powered effort will help victims survive for a good while without having to fear when will help come. If viable, the application of FFD can be a product to serve: THE, MILITARY, SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM, RED CROSS, AIRLINE COMPANIES, anyone with water/electricity needs.
Developmental process:
This project was collaborated with leading global water company, Hyflux, which provided their expertise in water treatment using ULTRA FILTRATION technology. The process involves 2 conceptual phases-The EXTERNAL CASE: Inspired from the idea of a small, compact hydration pack suitable for running. Ergonomics were worked out from observing the applications of many front-body-pack products. Gore-Tex embodies the FFD, which proves a success in its comfort, material integrity and easy access to manufacture. The material also accentuates a common visual relationship of a carry pack for users despite the proposed concept to feature ABS. The INTERNAL FUNCTIONAL CONCEPT: The main goal is to supplement the notion that FFD can be manufactured through the modification of existing materials in the market. The concept of PUMPING and CHARGING is explained by attaching a vertical rack gear to a syringe (simulated piston pump) to power a modified dynamo that stores its charge in a lithium ion battery.