Project Overview

Hip fractures are the most devastating osteoporosis related fractures causing increased risk for immobility, nursing home placement and death. Almost all hip fractures are related to a fall. Medications to improve bone quality can reduce hip fracture risk by 30-50%. Because of this hip protectors have been developed to absorb energy created by a fall and reduce the force placed on the femur. Studies have shown that hip protectors reduce hip fracture risk in older adults but the major problem is that acceptance of wearing them is very low because of discomfort, appearance and difficulties putting them on and getting them off. As such, there is a need to develop novel hip protectors that are capable of absorbing energy and prevent fractures but at the same time are comfortable to wear, easy to put on and take off and not noticeable.

Recently a Swedish company has developed an airbag for cyclist (http://www.hovding.com/how_hovding_works) which reacts (inflates) in case of an accident but not with usual motion. I am looking for a team which could develop a design that is based on the same concept - a wearable device (such as a belt) that would inflate / trigger an airbag in the event of a fall but not with usual movements such as walking, sitting down, walking stairs. It will require designing the hardware (wearable device, airbag and sensors) and develop an algorithm that can trigger the airbag in the event of a fall but not with usual movement.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Cameron Hays - Team Leader
• James Hermus - Communicator
• Catherine Finedore - BSAC
• Patrick Cummings - BWIG
• Austin Scholp - BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Paul Thompson - Advisor
• Dr. Bjoern Buehring - Client

Related Projects

• Spring 2016: Fall triggered hip protectors
• Fall 2015: Fall triggered hip protectors