Design of a Backpack with a Solar Energy System and a Retractable Arm for Autonomous Multimedia Capture in Remote Environments

The increasing demand for mobility and the proliferation of portable electronic devices have driven the development of autonomous energy solutions, especially for professionals who perform their work in remote environments or with limited access to the power grid. Journalists, content creators, field researchers, and other itinerant users rely on a variety of electronic equipment, such as cameras, microphones, smartphones, and laptops, to carry out their work efficiently. In response to this scenario, the design of a technological backpack equipped with a solar energy harvesting system and a retractable arm for multimedia device support, guided by the VDI methodology, is presented. The incorporation of a flexible solar panel into the backpack's structure enables the conversion of solar energy into electricity, which is stored in internal batteries for the continuous powering of various devices. The proposed system achieved an estimated energy efficiency of 80%, with autonomous operation for 6 to 8 hours under standard solar irradiance. It includes a 5555 mAh lithium-ion battery, two USB Type-A ports, and one Type-C output for device charging. The proposed design is compared with existing solutions, highlighting its unique combination of energy autonomy, ergonomic design, and integrated workflow support. The integration of renewable energy aligns with sustainability goals and offers a practical solution for on-the-go power needs.