2020 Galleries
The Spark Gallery pages are one of our most popular design destinations, with thousands of visitors each year. Check out some of the latest Spark entries, in the galleries below.
Galleries // 2020 Spark:Product // HeroWear Apex
HeroWear Apex
Winner - Platinum
Competition: Spark:Product
Designer: Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman - Founder & Principal
Design Type: Materials, textiles, fabrics, tech clothing, Industrial & consumer tools and equipment
Company / Organization / School: Interwoven Design Group, LLC
Website: http://getinterwoven.com
Team Members: Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, Ryu Tomita, Aybuke Sahin, Paul Reamey, Hannah Leuptow & Jennifer Tate
The HeroWear Apex exosuit is made to serve workers in the multiple industries. The modular design accommodates a large range of body-types and genders mirroring the diverse teams across the industries. It uses a proprietary band-based mechanism to reduce fatigue in lower back muscles, which lowers the risk of injury and leaves workers with more energy. The textile-based exosuit is lightweight and designed to keep workers cool and comfortable in addition to reducing the strain during bending and lifting activities. The clutch and switch mechanism engage the suit during lifting and reaching movements. The adjustable modular straps come in a variety of sizes and are shapes for female and male anatomy. They attach to the back in adjustable increments to accommodate numerous body sizes. The mechanism for the load absorption is powered by a combination of mechanical hardware and elastic latex bands. Before a worker starts to bend or squat to lift, they reach for the switch on the left strap to engage the suit. The clutch locks the rotating coil and the spring-back of the latex absorbs the load. When the user wishes to disengage the assistance, they simply flip the switch with a click.
JUDGES COMMENTS:
HeroWear Apex, Product Design
"In principle this gear is viable as an add-on piece of safety equipment. Safety in the workplace should be more considered."
"Simple approach to the exo skeleton idea. Like it for its grounded and low end approach"
"Has promise - Love that it helps solve a physical strain problem."
