Personalized hip protectors to prevent pelvis fracture

Hip fracture is a major health threat to older adults, and can often result in death. Prevention of hip fracture is a health care priority. Protection against falling is often achieved by using polymeric foam or textile hip protectors. However, they are usually bulky and uncomfortable to wear and not breathable, so that most users stop using them after a brief trial. They also tend to come in one size only. Given the different shapes and sizes of pelvis among potential wearers, this is a major barrier to product comfort.

This project employs soft polymer 3D printing technology and a new implicit design method to allow customization of hip protectors. The resulting products are lighter, more breathable, more comfortable and with good energy absorption capability.