Optimizing the MOLLE for the Female Soldier A Major Qualifying Project submitted to the Faculty of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in partial fulfillment of requirements of the Degree of Bachelor Science By: Amy Babeu Erin LaRoche Rachael Matty Marlisa (Cardoso) Overton Advisors: Karen Troy Date: 1 May 2014 Table of Contents Table of Figures .......................................................................................................................... 3 Table of Tables ............................................................................................................................ 5 Authorship .................................................................................................................................... 6 Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................... 7 Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................ 9 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................... 11 2.1 Evolution of U.S. Army Load Carrying Equipment ........................................................... 11 2.1.1 MLCE .................................................................................................................................................... 11 2.1.2 ALICE ................................................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.3 Current Model: MOLLE .................................................................................................................. 14 2.2 Male vs. Female Anatomy Affecting Load Carriage .......................................................... 19 2.2.1 Skeletal Differences .......................................................................................................................... 20 2.2.2 Muscular Differences ........................................................................................................................ 20 2.3 Load Distribution ........................................................................................................................ 20 2.4 Commercial Backpacks for Females ...................................................................................... 22 2.5 Previous Studies ........................................................................................................................... 23 2.6 Patents ............................................................................................................................................ 26 2.6.1 Shockproof Quick-Release Fastener for an End Fitting of a Safety Belt ......................... 26 2.6.2 Modular Load Carrying Equipment ............................................................................................. 26 2.6.3 Quick-Release Weight Distribution and Connection System .............................................. 26 2.6.4 Adaptive Fit Waist Belt and Backpack Having Such a Waist Belt .................................... 27 Chapter 3: Project Strategy .................................................................................................. 28 3.1 Initial Client Statement .............................................................................................................. 28 3.2 Design Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 28 3.3 Constraints .................................................................................................................................... 30 3.4 Revised Client Statement .......................................................................................................... 31 3.5 Project Approach ........................................................................................................................ 31 3.5.1 Design Testing .................................................................................................................................... 31 3.5.2 Subject Testing.................................................................................................................................... 32 3.5.3 Management ........................................................................................................................................ 33 3.5.4 Finances................................................................................................................................................. 35 Chapter 4: Design Alternatives ............................................................................................ 37 4.1 Needs analysis .............................................................................................................................. 37 4.2 Functions ....................................................................................................................................... 37 4.2.1 Specifications: ..................................................................................................................................... 39 4.3 Alternative Designs ..................................................................................................................... 40 4.3.1 Fastener Alternatives......................................................................................................................... 40 4.3.2 Tightening Alternatives .................................................................................................................... 42 4.3.3 Padding Alternatives ......................................................................................................................... 43 1 4.3.4 Additional Design Aspects .............................................................................................................. 46 4.4 Final Selection Matrix ................................................................................................................ 47 4.5 Conceptual Design ...................................................................................................................... 49 4.5.1 Initial prototype .................................................................................................................................. 50 4.5.2 Final prototype .................................................................................................................................... 53 4.5.3 Final Design ......................................................................................................................................... 55 4.6 Feasibility ...................................................................................................................................... 57 4.7 Preliminary Data ......................................................................................................................... 58 4.7.1 Compression Testing of Materials for Padding ........................................................................ 58 4.7.2 Tension Testing of Buckles ............................................................................................................ 61 4.7.3 Body Measurements .......................................................................................................................... 64 Chapter 5 Raw Data ................................................................................................................ 67 5.1 Obstacle Course ........................................................................................................................... 67 5.1.1 Rate of Perceived Exertion .............................................................................................................. 70 5.1.2 User Survey .......................................................................................................................................... 73 5.1.3 Heart Rate ............................................................................................................................................. 75 5.2 Force Plate .................................................................................................................................... 77 5.3 Pressure Film ............................................................................................................................... 79 Chapter 6: Discussion ............................................................................................................. 85 6.1 Discussion of Results .................................................................................................................. 85 6.2 Testing Limitations ..................................................................................................................... 87 6.3 Discussion of Impact of Hip Belt ............................................................................................. 88 6.3.1 Economics ............................................................................................................................................ 88 6.3.2 Environmental Impact ...................................................................................................................... 88 6.3.3 Social Influence .................................................................................................................................