Hydrospine Freediving Weight by Ludovic Lahccen and Raoul Morel |
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| DESIGN DETAILS | |||||
| DESIGN NAME: Hydrospine PRIMARY FUNCTION: Freediving Weight INSPIRATION: The concept was born out of not having enough practical and comfortable weight. As we would like a different approach, we did not have an established reference. We let our imagination free by relying on other areas. For the design of the shapes, we were inspired by sea animals as well as machines created for speed. Hydrodynamics also influenced the structure. Forcing us to review the structure to keep the modular aspect, and that it can remain flexible to follow the different body movements. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: It is the only dorsal ballast of this type that can support up to six kilos, the leads distribution in the container which can be quickly and easily modulated. Its assets are, its modularity, its comfort which you forget the weight transported, its hydrodynamic look for an optimal glide. Its safety with its quick release buckle. It can be used in all freediving activities and in all positions. It is undoubtedly the most advanced system to date allowing for ultra-precise buoyancy and neutrality. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The equipment is carried like a backpack. The buckle at the front allows the straps to be adjusted according to size and to instantly release the weight with one hand by simple pressure. The envelope containing the leads has reception racks to hold the pellets in place which are sandwiched with the upper part of the cover so that they cannot move. Leads can be placed in any order for extremely precise balancing. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started solo in August 2019 in Lille, France. Then continued with the Transalley incubator in Valenciennes, France, from September 2020 to September 2022. Then solo again, with the collaboration of Raoul Morel as product designer. |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The materials used are all waterproof, easy to source and inexpensive (elastic and polypropylene straps, plastic buckles, textiles and lead). The shell is made of thermoformed textile with a zipped side opening. The internal structure has slots to fix the leads like a spine and accordion ribs to follow all movements. The leads were designed from a single template, to limit the molds and keep a hydrodynamic structure. Thus covering 98% of user needs. The rear nozzle allows air to escape. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Storage shell 150mm x 45mm x 370mm Lead 105mm x 7,5mm x 40mm TAGS: Freediving, apnea, dive, diving, weight, spine, hydrodynamic, lestage, weighting, sport RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Before launching, we inventoried all the solutions available on the market and surveyed a panel of a hundred freedivers. Next, we listed all the desired requirements for the product, assigning them a degree of importance. As well as the impacts that will occur on the different use cases. We quickly agree to test each hypothesis by prototyping it summarily. It was a principle rich in lessons allowing us to see the gap between the idea and reality while showing what needs to be corrected. CHALLENGE: Many factors need to be taken into account and it has not always been easy for some team members to understand them. A freediving session was necessary to measure the problem. The biggest difficulty was the development of the harness, because it was difficult to hold 6 kg on the back and at the same time not prevent the rib cage from inflating, to be safe with a quick release and to be homologated in competition, to adapt to different morphologies. This required extensive structural and material testing. ADDED DATE: 2023-02-14 15:24:25 TEAM MEMBERS (7) : Creative Designer and Art Director: Ludovic Lahccen , Product Designer: Raoul Morel, Technical and Mechanical Engineer: Steven Pingon, Engineer and technical design office: Charles Pionchon, Tech Designer and prototypes: Alan Philippart, Plastics processing and 3D printing: Olivier Paul and Textile prototypes: Christiane Lefebvre IMAGE CREDITS: Main image is Image #1 Raoul Morel Optional Image #1 Raoul Morel Optional Image #2 Raoul Morel Optional Image #3 Raoul Morel Optional Image #4 Raoul Morel PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Patent application FR2111503 filed on October 28, 2021. Transformed into a Certificate of Utility on September 07, 2022. Title: Diving equipment for freediver, Possessor: Ludovic Lahccen |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://apnea-sub.fr | |||||
| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS | |
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NAME: Apnea Sub PROFILE: Apnea sub is an entrepreneurial project that was supported by the Transalley incubator in Valenciennes, France, until September 2022. Since then, Apnea Sub has evolved on its own with the collaboration of Raoul Morel as a freelance designer. The brand has been registered, but not the legal structure. Currently looking for financial, industrial and international distribution partners, crowdfunding such as kickstarter is envisaged. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Hydrospine Freediving Weight by Ludovic Lahccen and Raoul Morel is Winner in Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design Category, 2022 - 2023.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Ludovic Lahccen and Raoul Morel. · Click here to view the profile and other works by Ludovic Lahccen and Raoul Morel. |
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