Low-Profile Seat Belt Add-On for Force Attenuation and Thoracic Injury Mitigation

Abstract

Injury resulting from high-impact forces, such as those experienced during vehicular collisions or sudden mechanical loading events, remains a significant contributor to morbidity and long-term disability. Existing protective solutions often lack sufficient adaptability or efficiency in reducing force transmission to the human body, creating a need for improved impact mitigation technologies.

This project presents the development of a novel energy-absorbing medical safety device designed to reduce force transmission and enhance user protection. The design integrates biocompatible, energy-dissipating materials with an optimized structural geometry to maximize impact attenuation. Development relied on iterative design, material selection, and computational simulation to model impact conditions and evaluate device performance. These simulations enabled detailed analysis of force distribution and deformation behavior, guiding data-driven design improvements.

Preliminary testing demonstrates that the device reduces peak impact forces compared to baseline conditions without the device. Iterative refinements in material selection and structural design improved energy absorption and consistency across trials. Although direct force measurements were limited by the absence of a force sensor, comparative testing methods confirmed measurable improvements in force attenuation and overall device effectiveness.

This device has strong clinical and commercial potential as a preventative safety solution. By reducing injury risk and improving force attenuation, it may enhance patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs. Future work will focus on advanced validation, regulatory considerations, and scalable manufacturing for real-world implementation.

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