Update: Sporting Division Tackles Biomechanics in a New Production Program
Our new Sporting Division is branching into new industries including innovative composite orthotic inserts used to improve walking biomechanics. Optimizing biomechanics to reduce pain during exercise and maximize sports performance is nothing new, but composites have become increasingly favored to facilitate these improvements.
SubioMed, Inc, a Minnesota medical device startup, has patented and designed various multilayer “suspension biomechanics” products to reduce pain, speed recovery and support health benefits through controlled motion and energy return. They chose composites to optimize flex characteristics, reduce weight, and enhance energy capture and return of their flagship product DSO (Dynamic Suspension Orthotics). Creating independent living hinges to move Ground Reaction Force through the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot during the “three rockers” of gait was the focus of the design and construction.
RWC worked with SubioMed several years ago on some initial product development. SubioMed reengaged RWC to utilize our experience in design and manufacturing to further enhance their product design and capability. They wanted to reduce costs while increasing efficiency and volume throughput. Our ability to provide composite engineering assistance during multiple phases of manufacturing and competitive production rates with our Mexico facility were instrumental in gaining the production side of the contract.
Our development program was completed in January, and the production program has already initiated. We’ve had great collaboration on design, tooling and flow details between the customer and the RWC team. Brian Bowen SubioMed VP Marketing and Sales shared:
“The SubioMed team has been working on successfully integrating a dynamic suspension into footwear for the last few years. While the patents allow us to develop this revolutionary technology, solving the technical challenges to allow function and durability during millions of cycles of walking required composite expertise. Most recently, the diverse talents of Rock West’s responsive team delivered what we needed prior to execute our initial US launch. The results, data, and patient responses confirm we got it right.”
We are excited to join SubioMed in their mission to restore function and reduce pain to patients who need their technology!
