Render of the front and back views of a human exoskeleton designed for neck support, specifically tailored for rotary-wing aircrew to alleviate neck pain during flight operations.
Render of the front and back views of a human exoskeleton designed for neck support, specifically tailored for rotary-wing aircrew to alleviate neck pain during flight operations.
Render of the front and back views of a human exoskeleton designed for neck support, specifically tailored for rotary-wing aircrew to alleviate neck pain during flight operations.

Department of Defence

Helmet Exoskeleton

Design

Design

Design

Engineering

Engineering

Engineering

In response to Defense Research and Development Canada's (DRDC) research on neck pain in rotary-wing aircrew, Brash developed a Helmet Support Exoskeleton (HSE) to reduce headgear-induced neck strain. Key design challenges included adjustability, comfort, emergency egress, and cockpit compatibility, addressed through rapid iterations and user testing using large-scale 3D printing. The design process also prioritized ensuring that the HSE would not interfere with the aircrew's operational tasks or equipment.

Back view of a multi-point brace, highlighting its adjustable straps and design for providing support and stability to the back, ensuring comfort and alignment.
Back view of a multi-point brace, highlighting its adjustable straps and design for providing support and stability to the back, ensuring comfort and alignment.
Back view of a multi-point brace, highlighting its adjustable straps and design for providing support and stability to the back, ensuring comfort and alignment.
CAD drawing of a device, featuring detailed 3D renderings and measurements to showcase its structure, components, and functionality for precise engineering and design.
CAD drawing of a device, featuring detailed 3D renderings and measurements to showcase its structure, components, and functionality for precise engineering and design.
CAD drawing of a device, featuring detailed 3D renderings and measurements to showcase its structure, components, and functionality for precise engineering and design.
Renders of users in an aircraft, wearing a neck support exoskeleton, showing no interference with their tasks and maintaining optimal posture and comfort during flight operations.
Renders of users in an aircraft, wearing a neck support exoskeleton, showing no interference with their tasks and maintaining optimal posture and comfort during flight operations.
Renders of users in an aircraft, wearing a neck support exoskeleton, showing no interference with their tasks and maintaining optimal posture and comfort during flight operations.
Front render of a device, showcasing its sleek design and key features, with a focus on its functionality and ergonomic structure for user comfort and efficiency.
Front render of a device, showcasing its sleek design and key features, with a focus on its functionality and ergonomic structure for user comfort and efficiency.
Front render of a device, showcasing its sleek design and key features, with a focus on its functionality and ergonomic structure for user comfort and efficiency.
Back render of a device, showcasing its sleek design and key features, with a focus on its functionality and ergonomic structure for user comfort and efficiency.
Back render of a device, showcasing its sleek design and key features, with a focus on its functionality and ergonomic structure for user comfort and efficiency.
Back render of a device, showcasing its sleek design and key features, with a focus on its functionality and ergonomic structure for user comfort and efficiency.

Take a load off.

The HSE is a three-linkage passive exoskeleton that connects to the helmet and torso harness, transferring helmet loads to the torso while allowing free neck movement and unloading the user's neck.

CAD drawing of a device, featuring detailed 3D renderings and measurements to showcase its structure, components, and functionality for precise engineering and design.
CAD drawing of a device, featuring detailed 3D renderings and measurements to showcase its structure, components, and functionality for precise engineering and design.
CAD drawing of a device, featuring detailed 3D renderings and measurements to showcase its structure, components, and functionality for precise engineering and design.
In-house testing of prototypes, with team members evaluating and adjusting designs for performance, functionality, and durability in a controlled environment.
In-house testing of prototypes, with team members evaluating and adjusting designs for performance, functionality, and durability in a controlled environment.
In-house testing of prototypes, with team members evaluating and adjusting designs for performance, functionality, and durability in a controlled environment.