This an FAQ's about LifSuits which are a type of wearable technology that combines the functionality of clothing with life-saving features. They are designed to provide protection and assistance in a variety of emergency situations, such as drowning, hypothermia, and cardiac arrest.
Introduction
Lifsuits are typically made from lightweight, waterproof materials and are equipped with a variety of sensors and other technologies. These technologies can be used to monitor the wearer's vital signs, track their location, and even provide them with emergency assistance.
Lifsuits are still a relatively new technology, but they have the potential to revolutionize the way we stay safe in a variety of situations.
What Load is supported?
Any load ranging from 0 kg to 30 kg can be accommodated. This is due to the fact that the weight of the upper body constitutes approximately 60% of the total body weight. Consequently, this weight must be either lifted or stabilized, typically falling within the range of 30 to 50 kg, regardless of whether additional weight is being lifted with the hands.
What level of support is provided?
- General: Depends on the movement, load and person
- Lifting: Reduction of muscle activity in the lower back and hip muscles by up to 35%.
- Forward-bending: Reduction of muscle activity in the lower back and hip muscles by up to 45% (in 60° working angle).
What are the long-term benefits/experiences?
Currently, we do not possess any sanctioned long-term benefits. This is due to the product being relatively new, having been launched in June 2020. Conducting a long-term evaluation is included in our immediate and forthcoming plans.
Why should a potential customer buy the LiftSuit, based on lacking long-term benefits/experiences?
Customers purchase the LiftSuit because they encounter at least one of the following challenges and are convinced that the LiftSuit can provide a solution to address the problem:
- Recruitment: As physically demanding work is for most people unattractive, the recruiting new, young people takes a long time and is expensive. → Make job more attractive by offering an exoskeleton assisting the worker and therefore make the work task less physically demanding.
- Exhaustion: As physically demanding work is exhausting, people’s productivity decreases over a work shift. → Increase productivity
- Injury: Because of the tough circumstances, often people get injured short- /mid-term over time as there is a constant overloading during work → Injury prevention 1 day of injury: € 1,000 - € 2,000 / day
- Early retirement: As people performing physically demanding work more often get injured, over years of work they need to retire early as their body gets weak → Keep employees in the job longer, so many years of experience remain in the company
- Disability: People performing physically demanding work have a higher probability for work-related injuries and to get injured long-term (disability). → Prevention of long-term injuries / disability To be update regularity and provided to all Auxivo employees and distribution partners. Date : 24.02.2023 Version : 2.0
What type of feedback are we asking for?
A: We ask for:
- LiftSuit: Yes/No?
- Proper fit
- Support-level
- Comfort
- Usability
How should you start working with the LiftSuit?
|
Week 1 |
Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
| 2h / day | 4h / day | 6h / day |
8h / day (= whole shift) |
Do people like the LiftSuit? Acceptance?
The overall feedback regarding the LiftSuit is favorable, with many individuals expressing a strong preference for its use. It is evident that there are users who have developed a significant attachment to the LiftSuit and are reluctant to operate without it. However, it is also noted that some individuals choose not to engage with the product at all, opting to leave during its presentation.
Are both types of lifting technics (“proper lifting” using the legs vs “unproper lifting” by bending-forward without using the legs) supported?
The LiftSuit does not differentiate between proper and improper lifting techniques. When an individual lifts incorrectly, the LiftSuit not only assists with the lifting process but also facilitates forward bending. This is why some users may experience increased support when lifting inappropriately. Additionally, the LiftSuit serves as a reminder for users to adopt correct lifting practices.
Does the LiftSuit support rotary movements?
Yes, it does. As the straps on the back are crossed, the user also profiteers from rotary lifting movements.
What is the lifespan/warranty of the LiftSuit?
The LiftSuits are accompanied by a one-year warranty covering the textiles of the suit. Users have the capability to replace the elastic energy storage components independently.
In terms of expected lifespan, we anticipate the textiles to last approximately two years, while the elastic energy storages are expected to endure for at least one year in most instances. Our testing has demonstrated that the suits can withstand 150,000 cycles (lifting movements) without any significant issues.
The variation between the expected lifespan and the warranty period arises from the diverse environments in which our customers utilize the LiftSuit, as well as the significant differences in the frequency of use, ranging from 100 lifts per hour to 1,000 lifts per hour.
Can the elastic energy storages be replaced?
Yes, the replacement can easily be done by the users themselves.
How to recognize wear and tear?
During a visual examination, one may observe indications of abrasion on the textiles, if present. Additionally, when manually tensioning or relieving the elastic energy storage components, it may become apparent that they exhibit a lack of strength, if that is the case.
Do you need to readjust the LiftSuit between different loads/positions?
- The LiftSuit must not been readjusted from load to load. You can adjust the LiftSuit once and then work without any adjustments.
- In case that you change your position, e.g. changing from working while standing to working on your knees, we recommend readjusting the LiftSuit for comfort reasons.
Is the LiftSuit just for injury prevention or is it also useable for reintegration of already partly injured people?
TThe LiftSuit is engineered to alleviate the physical demands placed on its user by minimizing muscle fatigue and, consequently, reducing overall exhaustion. As a result, the LiftSuit aims to protect the user from overexertion. However, we have not yet conducted tests on the LiftSuit for the purpose of reintegrating individuals recovering from injuries. Therefore, we strongly advise seeking medical consultation.
Are there negative effects on other muscles / bodyparts?
The elastic energy storages store the energy while one bends forward. Therefore, there is no additional load on other muscles / bodyparts.
Does the LiftSuit weaken the human muscles over time?
The LiftSuit is designed to alleviate excessive strain on the muscles. However, users are still required to perform the tasks independently. It is important to note that overloading the muscles can have detrimental effects, potentially leading to muscle weakness.
What happens if someone does not adjust the LiftSuit properly?
If the LiftSuit is not correctly adjusted, the user may experience discomfort, such as pressure points, leading them to remove the LiftSuit. For instance, if an individual excessively tightens the LiftSuit during activation, it may result in a pronounced arch in their back, resembling the shape of a banana.
Are there any limitations regarding size/gender?
In general, the LiftSuit can be worn by women and men. The LiftSuit comes in two main sizes (S/M, L/XL) with adjustment possibilities. Therefore, the LiftSuit fits almost everyone.
Is the LiftSuit certified? Is there any certification requirement?
The LiftSuit has received CE certification in accordance with machine guidelines. In our discussions with ANSI (United States), DGUV (Germany), and SUVA (Switzerland), the LiftSuit is classified as a machine. Consequently, the development of the LiftSuit has adhered to the stipulations set forth by machine regulations.
How to clean the LiftSuit?
Machine wash at a maximum temperature of 60°C, ensuring that elastic energy storage components are removed. Avoid the use of fabric softener. Employ a mild detergent for washing. It is advisable to wash items separately. Use only a gentle spin cycle. Do not use a tumble dryer.
How to store the LiftSuit?
The LiftSuit should be stored in a dry and ventilated place without direct sunlight.
Does the LiftSuit require maintenance? How to perform an inspection?
The LiftSuit necessitates minimal maintenance. It is advisable to perform a visual inspection of your LiftSuit at least once a month to confirm that no issues have arisen due to wear and tear. Should you detect any potential problems, please cease operation of the LiftSuit and reach out to the manufacturer.
Does the LiftSuit compress the spine of its users?
- 1: No! It is very normal that during forward leaning the human muscles of the torso contract and compress the spine. This is a natural process and even necessary to stabilize the spine. The support force of the LiftSuit only replaces a part (around 20- 40%) of the muscle force and does not add additional forces on the spine.
- 2: Optional to follow up and give it a positive spin: The positive thing about this support is that it reduces the muscle load and muscle fatigue which is very important because it has been shown that rested muscles are better at preventing injuries.
Given the competition from active systems, what guidance would you have in formulating value proposition beyond cost/benefit (although that’s a big one in our opinion) specific to active systems?
- LiftSuit comes at a low price and causes only minimum follow-up costs as costs for maintenance, service needs and associated are highly affordable. This allows that not only individual workstations/employees can be equipped, but entire areas if required.
- LiftSuit is a very small and lightweight solution because it is a passive, textile system.
- Typically, active systems are heavier and larger, as they have motors, electronics and power supply integrated. This typically results in a situation, where the workers have to move around with the additional weight which in itself makes the movement exhausting.
- LiftSuit can be used in confined spaces and worn underneath a jacket.
- Textile solution does not lead to movement constraints which increases user acceptance and safety. E.g. the user can sit down, take a break or drive a vehicle while wearing the LiftSuit.
- LiftSuit is so lightweight and small that the user can keep it on when momentarily not working. A larger, heavier active device the user might want to take off when taking a short break.
- LiftSuit is a passive system and does not need recharging after a certain amount of lifts / time of use. This enables the user to take it with him anywhere without the need to organize recharging the batteries.
- LiftSuit is washable → That’s why it can also be used at places where hygiene is highly important. • Simple to use. Passive system without the need to boot it up first.
- Comfortable as it is a textile solution.
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