Hip Protector Design Process for the Korean Elderly

Abstract

: This research aims to propose an ergonomic design process for hip protector based on previous studies, existing products, multidisciplinary experts opinion, and wearing test. The elderly are more likely to suffer a hip fracture when they fall due to their physical changes in skeletal form, muscle quantity, bone density, and joint movement. A hip protector is an effective product to prevent hip fractures in the elderly but it also has a problem in that it is uncomfortable. Therefore there is a high chance that it won't be able to prevent hip fractures properly. Since the comfort of a hip protector is one of the most critical elements in preventing a hip fracture, we need to keep improving the hip protector for mobility and usability. Based on the previous studies and limitations of current hip protector products, we need to come up with an optimal design for the Korean elderly. First, knowledge has to be built relating to the ergonomic design of the hip protector considering body shape and size analysis using 3D-scan data, and biomechanical analysis on hip fracture. Second, we need to develop a design process including hip protector pattern design, and wearing evaluation with virtual system. Third, we suggest to reevaluate and verify the design procedure from impact evaluation using testing simulator, virtual evaluation of impact, to wearing comfort and usability evaluation. This design process presented in this study would be expected to contribute to the development of ergonomic hip protector which is suitable for the Korean elderly.

3D Scan to Product Design: Methods, Techniques, and Cases

“…Computerized systems and software which can provide useful anthropometric information (e.g., measurements, shape, sizing system, representative models) and systematic analyses (e.g., automatic measurement, shape analysis, fit analysis, sizing system development) were developed for the efficient progress in the product design process. Once the designs were proposed through our technical process, we have manufactured working prototypes for a design validation by applying a usability evaluation [4,19,20,26]. Also advanced methods and techniques such as finite element modeling, morphing, and skin deformation have been applied to 3D scanned images for an advanced design and evaluation of the product shapes in further researches.…”

“…For example of the hip protector design, four torsos of Korean elderly women were selected, edited, and printed in 3D, which are corresponded to its sizing system as shown in figure 3.c [20]. Because the not all dimensions of the representative model are same to the average value, the model can be slightly adjusted by applying a mesh deformation technique such as bounded biharmonic weights (BBW) deformation [12].…”

“…The representative models were usually applied to the design of relatively flexible products such as clothing (e.g., hip protector) [20]. For example of the hip protector design, four representative models printed in 3D as a mannequin were used to a patternmaking through a draping procedure, then fit of the patterns was tested with those mannequins (see figure 6).…”

“…determination of a distributed method, S5. Generation of a sizing system) for the exploration of an optimal sizing system was applied to the design of flight suit [26] and pilot oxygen mask [4] for Korean Air Force pilots, hip protector [20], earphone [21], gloves [27], dust-proof mask, and so on. Once candidates of a sizing system are generated through the protocol based on statistic techniques, the candidates are compared in terms of accommodation percentage, number of sizes, and coverage ratio in non-key-dimensions [25].…”

“…Anthropometric information, digital human models, and 3D body scan images have been applied to the design of various products such as Korean utility helicopter's cockpit [16], driver's seat of vehicle [17], layout of control room of the radioactive waste management facility [18], size of radar console [19], vacuum cleaner's handle and stick, flight suit and oxygen mask for Korean Air Force pilots [3], hip protector for elderly women [20], head and face wearable products [8], ear-related products [21], and dust-proof mask. 3D scan images and 3D anthropometric information have been utilized to the product designs through whole or part of a five-step process: (1) establishment of 3D human scan database, (2) analysis of anthropometric measurements, (3) development of sizing system, (4) development of representative models, and (5) design of size and shape of product.…”