A study to demonstrate the use of an air bag device to prevent fall-related injuries

We sought to develop a fall-related injury prevention system using a telemetry acceleration and angular velocity monitor, and an air bag. In this study, we have developed a fall detection system using both acceleration and angular velocity signals and triggering the inflation of an air bag. Sixteen subjects mimicked falls and their acceleration waveforms were monitored. Then, we developed a fall detection algorithm that could detect signals 300 ms before the fall. This signal was used as a trigger to inflate the air bag to a capacity of 2.4 L. While the proposed system can aid in preventing fall-related injuries, further development is needed to miniaturize the inflation system.