Impact Pressure Distribution of Hip Protectors

Hip Protectors and Impact Pressure Distribution

The High Speed I-Scan^® system is an exciting tool for studying impact pressure distribution and energy dissipation under hip protectors or other protective devices. The system measures the peak pressure, contact area, and pressure distribution under a hip protector during a "fall," or in a simulated environment.

A wide variety of hip protection devices are available to protect the elderly in the event of a fall. They come in many different shapes and are typically made of plastic and foam or some other shock absorbing materials. Until today, there was no easy way to compare their effectiveness.

A High Speed I-Scan system was used to measure the load distribution under a plastic hip protector. The test results are shown below.

Tekscan sensor model #5250 was placed between a prototype plastic hip protector and the hip of an artificial leg. The sensor output at peak load is shown in 2-D and 3-D.

Further study could help product designers evaluate and improve their designs. The High Speed I-Scan allows designers to set measurable goals that could combine both minimizing peak pressure with maximizing pressure distribution and product attractiveness in their design criteria.

Impact Pressure Distribution Applications

• Research and development
• Comparative testing
• Identification of peak pressures
• Testing and validation

Benefits of Pressure Mapping

• Optimize product performance
• Improve shock absorption
• Reduce injuries
• Design validation
• Assist with material selection

Pressure Sensor used for Hip Protector Impact Measurement