A WEARABLE DEVICE FOR PREVENTING FRACTURE

Field of Invention:

The invention relates to a device, preferably a wearable device for preventing fracture. Particularly, the invention provides a wearable device for the protection of fractures, particularly hip fractures.

Background of the invention:

The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Over 15 lakh elderly are treated for fall-related hip fractures in India annually. 39% of these patients die within one year. Aging, osteoporosis, freezing, unsteady gait, and cognitive impairment cause the fall resulting in a hip fracture. It worsens all other comorbidities in the elderly by constraining them to stay bedridden. Obliging them to be dependent on their caregiver. Prolonged suffering and heavy financial and emotional burden on the family follow after the fracture. Unfortunately, no available solution addresses the need holistically.

Injury due to falls happens only while the elderly are standing or walking, instinctively, it becomes prudent to protect the elderly from getting severely injured. Falls happen while the elderly are standing or walking, instinctively, it becomes prudent to protect the elderly from getting severely injured during such activities. Also, falling once doubles the probability of falling and getting injured, which results in the fear of falling, and a reduction of their mobility. Hence, there is needed an effective, compliant, and affordable product that could save the elderly from hip fractures and exponentially improve their quality of life and lakhs of rupees.

The traditional hip guards are affordable but are very bulky, uncomfortable, have poor adherence, and are ineffective for high-impact falls. While the other type of products are expensive, not suitable to wear during sleep, and are heavy to wear.

For instance, JP2011528957A discloses hip fracture prevention device includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, and an extension means that engages the femoral head at the first end. The shaft is positioned in a hole of a predetermined depth in the femur. This hole extends from the greater trochanter to the femoral head, with the first end located in the femoral head and the second end located in the greater trochanter. This device is positioned substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the femoral shaft.

Further, US7017195B2 discloses an active protective garments which are inconspicuously worn by an individual and which activate upon certain conditions being met. Activation causes inflation of regions of the active protective garment to provide padding and impact cushioning for the wearer. The garments comprise multiple layers of material that constrain pockets or regions that are inflatable by a source of compressed gas or foam. The garments also comprise sensors to detect ballistic parameters such as acceleration, distance, relative acceleration, and rotation. The sensor information is used to determine whether activation is required. Detection and activation are accomplished in a very short time period in order to offer maximal protection for the individual wearing the garment. The system comprises a computer or logic controller that monitors the sensor data in real-time and coordinates the information from all sensors. The system calculates velocity, distance, and rotational velocity. A rule -based system is used to detect a complex fall in progress and discriminate said fall in progress from the events of everyday life. The pockets or inflatable regions of the garment protect the individual against falls and other impacts that may cause bone fracture or organ damage.

Further, US4282861A discloses a garment, in one embodiment of the invention, reduces the risk of bone fracture of a human or animal subject due to impact forces on a vulnerable region having a bone part near the skin surface when the vulnerable region is proximate to a soft tissue region lacking a bone part near the skin surface. The garment has an arrangement for shunting a substantial portion of the impact energy from the vulnerable region to the soft tissue region, where such energy may be safely absorbed and/or dissipated. In a further embodiment, there is utilized a dilatant material that is relatively stiff near the time of impact and relatively fluid at other times. Related methods are also provided.

At present, there is no device, particularly wearable device, which works on the mechanism of inflation and deflation of cushion for the protection of fracture, particularly hip fracture. More Particularly, there is needed a wearable device that slowly inflates/deflates and is based on a reusable cushion and sensor to determine the postural changes.

Ob jective of the Invention:

Primary object of the present invention is to overcome the limitation of the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide an effective, compliant, and affordable product that could save the elderly from hip fractures and exponentially improve their quality of life and lakhs of rupees.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an loT-enabled wearable assistive technology, that employs a smart cushion inflation-deflation system aiding in the prevention of fracture during falls. Also, it improves confidence by addressing the fear of falls.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable device, which works on the mechanism of inflation and deflation of cushion for the protection of fractures, particularly hip fractures.

Another object of the present invention is to utilize motion-sensing technology built into a lightweight, super comfortable unobtrusive form factor belt that can accurately detect the wearer’s postural characteristics and fall probabilities. And the impact due to falls. When a change in posture is sensed, the belt inflates a slim cushion, encompassing the anatomical hip bilaterally prior to the person hitting the floor to attenuate the impact force at the hip. Accurate posture detection is accomplished via an algorithm using machine learning techniques to analyze hundreds of hours of motion data collected from subjects. The smart belt can connect to Wi-Fi to relay communication to caregivers regarding the need for assistance by the belt wearer as well as mobility data. The communication notification includes urgent alerts like a fall incident to the caregiver to initiate care for the user in such situations. The belt will also communicate when the user may need assistance in cases of improper belt-positioning, low battery charge, or if the wearer has experienced an impact force as well as if the wearer is requesting assistance with the call button which can be activated with pressing the ON button 2 times quickly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable device, which inflates in less than 0.2-0.5 seconds when the user is in a movement position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable device that slowly inflates/deflates and is based on a reusable cushion and sensor to determine postural changes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide inflation deflation by using a mini pump or a DC/BLDC blower. This technology enables inflating and deflating the cushion as many times as the user wants without any additional cost of replacing or additional use of compressed gas or foam.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the elderly from falling. By addressing their fear of falls and improving their mobility.

Fear of falls is addressed in a way that once the user stands up from sitting/ resting he or she will be able to find an inflated cushion on their sides. This will give them the necessary confidence to walk and mobilize themselves with more ease.

Another object of the present invention is to use Artificial Intelligence (Al) and Machine Learning algorithms to understand user activity, behavior, and pattern recognition remotely. This will be used to improve the efficiency of the cushion deployment and track the vitals such as no. of steps, gait length, gait stride, postural sway, gait speed, wear time of the protection device, etc. All of this data will be sent to our Machine learning algorithm and deeper insights will be drawn and shared with the user thus we will be able to track the health status of the user remotely.

The Al model will improve the efficiency of inflating and deflating the cushion. Later, the cushion will only be inflated only during high risks of falls. And will not be permanently inflated, even if the user is in a mobile state. This decision will be taken based on the confidence analysis, no. of steps, gait speed, gait, stride length, postural sway, etc. All these parameters will be studied to see whether the user is at what level of risk for a fall.

Another object of the invention is to track the user’s location remotely. The device will be having GPS or NAVIC technology to track the location of the user in real-time. This can also be used to track cognitively impaired patients (patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc) which usually seen leaving the house uninformed. Most times they even forget the address of their home and are unable to reach back.

Another object of the invention is to have an on-demand call for help button. Once pressed and activated the caregivers and health care providers will be notified immediately to take further interventions for the user.

Summary of the Invention:

In an embodiment, there is provided an loT-enabled smart wearable device for preventing hip fracture of a user, the device comprising: a) atleast a pair of smart inflatable/deflatablecushions, to be worn around the hip of the user, wherein the cushion is configured to inflate and deflate according to the posture of the user; the cushion is made of polymeric fabric fixed on a support band, which serves as a belt for fixing the device to the user’s waist; b) high impact absorbers, over the cushion, for absorbing and transferring the impact force uniformly to the cushion; c) a valve assembly configured to control the flow of air to the high-impact absorbers; d) an electronic module comprising: i. a printed circuit board; i. atleast a microcontroller; and ii. plurality of sensors. wherein the cushion inflates/deflates based on the postural change of the user such that the air flows from the environment into the cushion, upon the change of posture of the user. This is achieved in either of the two ways- First, by pumping air within the cushion and second by the generation of negative pressure inside the cushion created by the micro vacuum pump based on the fluid flowing from high pressure to low pressure, causing the inflation/deflation of the cushions.

The pump of the actuating unit fills both the cushions in case of inflation command in less than 0.5 seconds when the user is in movement position or change of posture is sensed.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of operation of the loT-enabled smart wearable device for preventing hip fracture and remotely tracking the user’s health and activity as described above, comprising the steps of: a) Tracking/analyzing of the position and movement of a user by the sensors followed by sending the analyzed data to the microcontroller; b) Processing of the analyzed data by the microcontroller followed by sending the command for inflation/deflation of the cushions to the actuating unit through a motor driver; wherein the air flows from the environment into the cushion, upon the change of posture of the user by the following ways: i) Blowing the air by a mini high rpm pump within the cushion where the cushion seals the air by the gate valve mechanism; ii) by generating negative pressure inside the cushion created by a micro vacuum pump, based on the fluid flowing from high pressure to low pressure, to cause the inflation/deflation of the cushions; wherein the pump of the actuating unit fills both the cushions in case of inflation command when the user is in movement position. c) Sensing the parameters like the motion sensing data, wear time of the protection device, tracking of individual wearers’ self-reported fear of falling, center of mass deviation followed by sending the information to the server where the server will process the data in the machine learning algorithm and deeper insights about the wearer’s health condition will be derived.

These insights will be shared over the mobile application which can be accessed by the wearer, their caretakers, and healthcare providers.

This together with the other aspects of the present invention along with the various features of novelty that characterized the present disclosure is pointed out with particularity in claims annexed hereto and forms a part of the present invention. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified objective attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description of Drawing:

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1(a) illustrates an overview of the working of a wearable device provided by the present invention; (b) illustrates the working principle of the device of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates the working mechanism of the wearable device provided by the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates the buckle fastening mechanism of the wearable device provided by the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates the elastic fastening mechanism of the wearable device provided by the present.

Figure 5 (a) & 5 (b) illustrate the elastic fastening mechanism attached to the wearable device provided by the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates the exploded view of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates the front side top view of the cushion of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates the mini gate of the valve that closed off the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates the mini gate of the valve that is open the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates the components of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 11 (a) & ll(b)illustrates the inflated and deflated cushion of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates the valve mechanism of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates the different postures of the user while wearing the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates the different from of cushions of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 15 illustrates the battery of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 16 illustrates the jacket of the present invention.

Figure 17 illustrates the side view of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 18 illustrates the tich button of the belt of the wearable device of the present invention.

Figure 19 illustrates the velcro fastening of the belt of the wearable device of the present invention. Figure 20 illustrates the results of the preliminary testing done to evaluate the effect of the device during the fall.

Detailed description of the Invention:

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. Throughout the patent specification, a convention employed is that in the appended drawings, like numerals denote like components.

The Invention provides an loT-enabled wearable assistive technology, that employs a smart cushion inflation-deflation system aiding in the prevention of fracture during fall.

The Invention provides a wearable device that employs an air-based impact-absorbing method and is based on soft plastic and fabric-based cushion which remains deflated and retracted when a person is in a resting state such as lying or sitting. It gets inflated with air when a person starts moving from a resting state to standing or walking to prevent injury if a fall occurs (Fig. 1). The cycle of inflation and deflation is so quick and leakage-proof that it doesn’t hinder the daily chores of the user and make the user feel very comfortable.

In an embodiment, the invention provides an air-based impact- absorbing device consisting of soft rubber and a high-grade airbag fabric -based cushion which remains deflated and retracted when a person is in a resting state such as lying or sitting. It gets inflated with air when a person starts moving from a resting state to standing or walking to prevent the elderly from an injury if a fall occurs. The cycle of inflation and deflation is so quick and leakage -proof that it doesn’t hinder the daily chores of the user and makes the user feel very comfortable.

The cushion profile adjustability is great for different hip profiles ensuring uniform impact force distribution. The device is highly cost-effective.

In an embodiment, the loT enabled smart wearable device for preventing hip fracture of a user, the device comprising: a) atleast a pair of smart inflatable/deflatable cushion, to be worn around hip of the user, wherein the cushion is configured to inflate and deflate according to the posture of the user; the cushion is made of polymeric fabric fixed on a support band, which serves as belt for fixing the device to the user’s waist; b) high impact absorbers, over the cushion, for absorbing and transferring the impact force uniformly to the cushion; c) a valve assembly configured to control the flow of air to the high-impact absorbers; d) an electronic module comprising: ii. a printed circuit board; iii. atleast a microcontroller; and iv. plurality of sensors. wherein the cushion inflates/deflates based on the postural change of the user such that the air flows from the environment into the cushion, upon the change of posture of the user. This is achieved in either of the two ways- First, by pumping air within the cushion and second, the generation of negative pressure inside the cushion created by the micro vacuum pump based on the fluid flowing from high pressure to low pressure, causes the inflation/deflation of the cushions; wherein the pump of the actuating unit fills both the cushions in case of inflation command in less than 0.5 seconds when the user is in movement position or change of posture is sensed.

In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors comprises a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, an EMG muscle sensor, a magnetometer, proximity sensor, force sensor, goniometer, Infrared red sensor etc configured to evaluate both the belt position on the user and the user’s position with respect of its standing position.

In an embodiment, the cushion comprises an outer cushion layer made of water and dust repellant fabric, inner cushion layer made of high grade polymer fabric followed by soft rubber fabric, felt material and sorobothane layer.

In an embodiment, the support band comprises a supply battery, a processor and said sensors to evaluate both the belt’s position on the user and the user’s position with respect of its standing position. In an embodiment, the sensor placement can be either on the support band or the inner side of the cushion to evaluate both the belt’s position on the user and the user’s position with respect of its standing position.

In an embodiment, atleast one cushion is connected to one or multiple DC/ BLDC motor/s to achieve super quick inflation and higher pressure.

In an embodiment, the band is made of a three horizontal hook and a loop fastener and wherein the three horizontal hooks are installed on the band around its length with the middle hook having conductive property to recognize the correct positioning of the belt on the user body.

In an embodiment, the belt is provided with the blower or pump, or compressor for ensuring the inflation of the cushion needed upon the movement of the user.

In an embodiment, the actuating unit comprises atleast an air pump along with an air splitter and a two-way valve for inflation-deflation.

In an embodiment, the device is integrated with a software application for tracking the activity of the user and sending the message to the caregivers in case the user falls.

In an embodiment, the user may raise an alert for an on-demand call for help.

In an embodiment, the pre-emptive deployment of the cushion enables lOx cost-reduction against the available solutions based on airbag technology. Moreover, it significantly increases comfort when compared to bulky hip-guards to be worn 24 hours. Over the cushion a soft and comfortable covering of high impact absorbers which absorbs the impact force and thus transfer the impact force to the cushion which distributes the force uniformly. The air in the cushion during impact bursts out slowly through a resistive pathway/ mechanism. Thus, dissipating the impact energy in the environment rather than on the hip.

In an embodiment, the wearable device comprises two cushions that can be filled by gas/ air in order to protect the interested areas in case both sensors such as gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, Pressure sensor, EMG muscle sensor, proximity sensor, force sensor, goniometer, Infrared red sensor etc. and central processing unit detect the postural characteristics on of the user, such as standing, sitting, lying or just getting up or a sudden lateral fall etc.

In an embodiment, two cushions are made of polymeric fabric fixed on a support band, which serves as a belt (which can also be fixed to a jacket) for fixing the device to the user’s waist. The support band includes a supply battery, a CPU, and a series of sensors (as a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer, pressure sensor, EMG muscle sensor, proximity sensor, force sensor, goniometer, Infrared red sensor etc.) useful to evaluate both the belt’s position on the user and the user’s position with respect of its standing position.

In an embodiment, the cushion is made of high-grade American nylon. Further, a mechanism is made of an origami-based structure inside the cushion. This will take some volume within the cushion and in the free spaces, the air will be filled. Making the cushion absorb higher impact. As there are different materials absorbing the impact. The thick paper origami will absorb, and air will distribute the impact evenly. The thick paper will have a folding mechanism. In the deflated state it will be compressed and folded and in the inflated state, it will open.

In an embodiment, the volume of the cushion is variable from 2 to 4 liters. Based on the size of the cushion which is dependent on the anthropometry data of both genders.

In an embodiment, the cushion is filled with the help of DC or BLDC motors. In present invention Currently a powerful BLDC is used. The motor is running between 10000 to 80000 rpm. This inflates the cushion within 0.3 to the 1 -second maximum.

The device is an IOT-ENABLED ASSISTIVE device, employing a smart cushion with an inflation-deflation system. Our Pre-emptive deployment of the cushion ensures lOx cost-reduction and 10X improved comfort against available solutions. The device improves confidence, enables better mobility, and will have a visible domino effect on their health and save them from lifelong disability and death. The cushion protects the hip bones of a user from fall-related injuries. Both the airbags inflate to cover the sides from the upper hip to mid-thigh area ahead of ground impact.

The placement of cushions with the user is such that if a fall occurs then the cushion will prevent the maximum part of Hip bones. The cushions are made of tough high-grade American nylon. Inflation is achieved using a mini air pump that is in communication with the cushion which inflates it in about 0.5 seconds, and constant pressure is maintained. The airbag skins hold up to the forces of impact and uniformly distribute them. They remain inflated for a few seconds after contact before deflating automatically.

In an embodiment, the cushion is used to prevent the elderly from falling. By addressing their fear of falls and improving their mobility. Fear of falls is addressed in a way that once the user stands up from sitting/ resting he or she will be able to find an inflated cushion on their sides. This will give them the necessary confidence to walk and mobilize themselves with more ease.

In an embodiment, it is using Artificial Intelligence (Al) and Machine Learning algorithms to understand user activity, behavior, and pattern recognition remotely. This will be used to improve the efficiency of the cushion deployment and track the vitals such as no. of steps, gait length, gait stride, postural sway, gait speed, wear time of the protection device, etc. All of this data will be sent to our Machine learning algorithm and deeper insights will be drawn and shared with the user thus we will be able to track the health status of the user remotely.

The Al model will improve the efficiency of inflating and deflating the cushion. Later, the cushion will only be inflated only during high risks of falls. And will not be permanently inflated, even if the user is in a mobile state. This decision will be taken based on the confidence analysis, no. of steps, gait speed, gait, stride length, postural sway, etc. All these parameters will be studied to see whether the user is at what level of risk for a fall.

In an embodiment, the user’s location is tracked remotely. The device will be having GPS or NAVIC technology to track the location of the user in real-time. This can also be used to track cognitively impaired patients (patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc) which usually seen leaving the house uninformed. Most times they even forget the address of their home and are unable to reach back.

As the device is IOT enabled on witnessing a fall, an SOS call is sent to the caregiver and notified about the fall. To reuse, the elderly simply needs to connect the airbags (if cushion comes out) back in their respective pouches and check the status of the device in the mobile app.

The device integrates the electronics and mechanical pump into the front center. The belt fits comfortably above the hips and allows for freedom of motion. A washable cover sits over the top of the non-washable hardware belt to ensure a clean, presentable look.

The device can also be used in the bathroom or high-humidity areas. The mini air pump and electronics are enclosed in IP 65-rated casing. The outer fabric is a soft-coated material that repels water.

In an embodiment, the cushion is made of high-grade American nylon that is hollow like a balloon. In an embodiment, the device comprises an origami-based structure inside the cushion. This will take some volume within the cushion and in the free spaces, the air will be filled making the cushion absorb higher impact. As there are different materials absorbing the impact, thus, the thick paper origami will absorb, and air will distribute the impact evenly. The thick paper will have a folding mechanism. In the deflated state it will be compressed and folded and in the inflated state, it will open.

In an embodiment, the volume of the cushion is variable from 2 to 4 liters based on the size of the cushion which is dependent on the anthropometry data of both genders.

The cushion is filled with the help of DC or BLDC motors. Currently, we are using a powerful BLDC motor which is also used in drones. The motor is running between 10000 to 80000 rpm. This inflates the cushion within 0.3 to the 1 -second maximum.

In an embodiment, the device is light weight and water resistant.

In an embodiment, the device comprises Torch for generating light in case if the user moves in the dark.

In an embodiment, the device tracks the vitals such as no. of steps, gait length, gait stride, postural sway, gait speed, wear time of the protection device, etc.

In an embodiment, the dimension of the current BLDC motor/pump is:

• Stator Diamter: 10mm

• Stator Length:2mm

• Shaft Diameter: 1.5mm

• Motor Dimension (Dia.*Len): <513.5*7.75mm

• Weight(g):2.4(5cm wire)

• Idle current (5) @5V(A):0.8

• No. of Cells (Lipo) : 1~2S

• Max Continuous Power(W)3S : 67

• Internal Resistance : 165mQ

• Max Current(3S) : 10A

• Max.Effciency Current : (1-3A)>84% In another embodiment, the gauge pressure inside the cushion varies from 0.001 atm to 0.2 atm based on the volume of air within the cushion.

In an embodiment, the wearable device comprises following dimensions:

In another embodiment, one cushion is connected to one or multiple DC/ BLDC motors to achieve super quick inflation and higher pressure. The location of connecting the motors can be varied. They can be either placed diagonally opposite each other. Or, adjacent or above over the other.

In another embodiment, a negative pressure inside the cushion is created by vacuum and once the posture is changed the air from the environment will flow into the cushion. Based on the principle of fluid flowing from high pressure to low pressure. The vacuum can be created inside the cushion by using the micro vacuum pump.

In another embodiment, the pump valve assembly and casing can be split into 3 parts (as seen in the images) or can be all clubbed into a single casing at the front of the belt and the pump outlet can be connected to the airbag by soft compressible tubes.

In another embodiment, the electronic battery system casing and pump valve assembly can be attached and detached from to belt. In an embodiment, the holder is magnetic connections. The holder will activate the system if all the attachments are well connected.

In another embodiment, the mechanisms to attach and detach either can be rotating push or press- fit mechanisms.

In another embodiment, the valve is an actuator with a de motor. The de motor actuates the shaft which we have connected to a gate. Thus, making a mini gate valve to keep the pressurized air trapped inside the cushion.

In an embodiment, a highly compressed gas cylinder to inflate the cushion is used. The gas cylinder can be replaced after each use. The cylinder will be connected to the cushion. The sensors will detect the falling condition, based on the sudden acceleration, movement, proximity with the objects, and prior activity being performed. The volume of the cylinder will be around 30ml.

In another embodiment, the wearable device comprises a jacket/ hoodie along with the inflating deflating cushion sewn at the hip, shoulder and neck.

In an embodiment, the fastening/adjustment system of the belt is made of three horizontal hook & loop fasteners. The central one is conductive and permits electrical contact recognizing the correct positioning of the belt on the user and the consequent activation of the device.

In an embodiment, the belt is provided with blower/ pump/ compressor which guarantee the inflation of the cushion in case of need. Once the sensors detect the change and if protection is needed the cushions is inflated with the help of the blower. It also has a mechanical or electronic or solenoid valve to keep the cushion inflate and deflate the cushion.

Figure 1 (b) illustrates an overview of the mechanism of the present invention.

In an embodiment, Figure 2 provides flow chart of the wearable device, working on complete electromechanical system, provided by the present invention. Here accelerometer and gyroscope and others sensor will track the position and movement of the person and sends the data to the microcontroller. In an embodiment, the microcontroller. The integrated circuit within the microcontroller processes the data and send commands to actuating unit through a motor driver. In an embodiment, the actuating unit consists of an air pump along with an air splitter and a two- way valve for inflation-deflation. According to the commands received, the pump will fill both cushions. The cushions get deflated through the connecting valve. The wearable device maximizes protection during the high-risk periods like standing and walking and minimizes discomfort during low-risk periods like lying down and sitting.

In an embodiment, the wearable device with protective cushions covering hip bones is inflated within seconds while walking or standing up from a resting position. With deflation/ retraction of the cushion only after coming back to the resting position. The device of the present invention will deliver maximum protection from injury during the fall and preferred comfort enabling it to be used 24x7. The device encourages mobility by developing confidence and overcoming the “Fear of Fall”.

In an aspect, there is provided a method of operation of the loT enabled smart wearable device for preventing hip fracture as described above, comprising the steps of: a) Tracking/analyzing of the position and movement of a user by the sensors followed by sending the analyzed data to the microcontroller; b) Processing of the analyzed data by the microcontroller followed by sending the command for inflation/deflation of the cushions to the actuating unit through a motor driver; wherein the cushion inflates/deflates based on the postural change of the user such that the air flows from the environment into the cushion, upon the change of posture of the user, This is achieved in either of the two ways. First, by pumping air within the cushion. Second, the generation of negative pressure inside the cushion created by the micro vacuum pump based on the fluid flowing from high pressure to low pressure, causes the inflation/deflation of the cushions; wherein the pump of the actuating unit fills both the cushions in case of inflation command in less than 0.5 seconds when the user is in movement position or change of posture is sensed.

In an embodiment, the high impact absorbers, over the cushion, absorbs and transfers the impact force uniformly to the cushion so that air in the cushion bursts out slowly through a resistive pathway dissipating the impact energy in the environment rather than hip.

In an embodiment, the multi-layers of the wearable device enables absorption and uniform distribution of impact energy generated due to falling. In an embodiment, the wearable device comprises self-sufficient smart mechanism for inflation and retraction of cushion placed at waist based on accurate sensing of postural characteristics.

In an embodiment, the wearable device comprises ergonomically designed shape and geometry for symmetrical impact distribution and covers the maximum area of the greater trochanter bone.

In an embodiment, the device works on highly effective algorithm and machine learning engagement based on patient axis orientation and movement for predicting the fall and guiding the mechanical system.

In an embodiment, the device has value-added features such as gait analysis, fall detection and alert notification, GPS tracking, and activity monitoring for further data analysis to better optimize and minimize false errors.

In an embodiment, the wearable device provided by the present invention is 7-8x cheaper. There is no recurring cost involved in the usage/operation of the device (except charging of the battery).

In an embodiment, the device can be used during sleeping and is comfortable and user friendly.

In an embodiment, the device psychologically deals with the “Fear of Fall” issue and improves their confidence and enabling them for mobility.

In an embodiment, the device of the present invention is highly reliable as no to low risk of false activation of airbag cushion.

In an embodiment, the device of the present invention has applications in various domains like sport industry such as cycling, skiing, ice skating, skating, skateboarding, For infants who are learning to walk, suffering from cerebral palsy etc, Post traumatic recovered patients whose legs got amputated and learning back to walk etc.

The Invention is further described with the help of non-limiting examples:

Example 1:

The below table provides a comparison of the present device (indicated by Hip Pro+) with respect to the other existing devices on various parameters:

Example 2:

The device was tested to determine its effect during the fall of the user. Figure 20 illustrates the results of the preliminary testing done to evaluate the effect of the device during the fall where the mass of 30 Kg was allowed to fall freely from the height of 50 cm with and without the device of the present invention. It was observed that the impact without the device of the present invention was more than 9000 newtons while with the device it was 1400 newton, thus reducing much below with respect to the threshold of 2100 newton.