If you’ve been following our blog for some time now, you’re probably familiar with a device called the SAF-T Vest. We’ve talked about the SAF-T Vest numerous times on our blog in the past, and Dr. Silverman sits on the advisory board for the device that hopes to save millions of dollars in healthcare costs and even a few lives by preventing against debilitating falls.
You can learn more about the device by checking out some of our old blog posts, but know that the SAF-T Vest operates by rapidly inflating in the event that microsensors detect that the wearer is suffering a fall. The vest also rapidly deflates to prevent a potentially dangerous bounceback sensation that could lead to whiplash or other injuries.
In the most recent development, we’re excited to announce that the team at Davenport SAF-T Systems recently unveiled its patented SAF-T Vest proof of concept and first-generation prototype at the Senior Design Show at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering.
“This is an incredibly important day because seeing is believing,” said Ryan Davenport, CEO and co-founder of Davenport SAF-T Systems. “We’ve known for along time this idea would work but we also understand that saying it and showing it are two different things.”
Prototype Shows Promise
The above picture shows the first-generation prototype that involves one airbag that is designed to protect the individual from the effects of a forward fall. A more advanced wearable technology will eventually feature a network of airbags to provide protection for the hips and head no matter which direction the user falls.
According to the engineering team, the current prototype:
• Recognizes, with onboard motion sensors, when an imminent fall is about to happen.
• Inflates a customized airbag in less than a third of a second.
• Deflates rapidly so the airbag absorbs the impact of the fall.
“The student engineers have done sensational work,” said Dr. Davenport. “They’ve demonstrated that fall injury protection is feasible and therefore necessary. They’ve also shown how the SAF-T Vest can help older adults in a forward fall avoid severe injury and remain active and independent.”
What’s Next
After the success of the Senior Design Show, Davenport SAF-T Systems will be seeking up to $350,000 in seed funding through venture capital or angel investors. The team is also applying for research and development grants from private foundations and government agencies.
The funding will be used to build on the work of the St. Thomas engineers to help create an advanced prototype suitable for human studies and rigorous testing.
For more information about the SAF-T Vest or stay up to date with their news and updates, head on over to their website.
