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Reducing athletic injuries using micro-lattice hybrid material
Huggins, Jonathan Greve, Alec Roy, Anthony Lowe, Terry C.
Huggins, Jonathan
Greve, Alec
Roy, Anthony
Lowe, Terry C.
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2025-04
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Abstract
Athletes across various sports face a significant risk of impact-related injuries, including concussions, sprains, and fractures. Traditional protective gear, such as foam kneepads, aims to mitigate these risks but often falls short in effectively distributing impact forces. Additionally, these pads can be bulky and restrictive, limiting mobility and comfort. To address this issue, we are developing and testing a novel micro-lattice hybrid material system designed to distribute impact forces more effectively. Our approach uses innovative lattice geometry to create a thin, high-performance protective layer that absorbs and disperses energy more effectively than traditional foam padding. Through extensive impact tests, our micro-lattice has demonstrated promising results, showing equal or superior performance compared to conventional kneepads while being significantly less bulky. Preliminary findings indicate that our lattice structures can provide equivalent or enhanced protection with reduced material use, suggesting a viable alternative to current protective gear. These results highlight the potential for micro-lattice technology to revolutionize athletic protective equipment, improving safety without compromising comfort or mobility. Future research will focus on refining the design and perfecting the material used in the lattice and other hybrid layers.
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