A Solent University graduate has built a 'seizure-resistant' jacket, inspired by his brother's struggles with falling due to epilepsy.

Simon Dixon, 38, wanted to find a way to improve his brother’s life by reducing the injuries he suffers from the falls.

While studying for his degree in the mechanical engineering, Simon saw an opportunity to forever change his brother's life - and others living with epilepsy - as part of his final project.

With this in mind, Simon designed a system which would inflate air pillows when it detects a fall, built into a wearable jacket – to cushion his brother’s fall.

As a result of his hard work, the mechanical engineering student received the Ede & Ravenscroft Prize during Solent's Department of Science and Engineering’s graduation ceremonies.

READ MORE: Screwfix to open new store opposite Westquay in Southampton

Simon, who is a Royal Naval veteran, said: “I came to the academic scene a little later in life, and I firmly believe that the prospects a university degree can provide are immensely valuable.

The skills and knowledge obtained from a degree in engineering enable us to make a real difference in the world - Solent has been amazing.”

The 38-year-old presented his product at the Solent Student Conference on Friday 14 June.

Representatives from Safety Belt Solutions Ltd were in attendance and, as a company which develops similar products, were interested in his work.

Simon Dixon (Image: Solent University) The company offered Simon the use of their Dynamic Test Centre when he is ready for testing.

Simon said: “The product uses an Arduino microprocessor which will work with an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

“Essentially, once the two sensors detect an increased velocity in a downward motion, the Arduino will trigger a compressed air cylinder to inflate the airbags within microseconds.

“Another key aspect of the project was to protect the user’s dignity as well as their body.

“This will be accomplished by enclosing all the technology and the airbags between the outer shell of the jacket and the inner lining.

“I took this approach to ensure users wouldn’t have to worry about advertising their condition.”

Following his graduation, Simon is starting a career at the Ministry of Defence as a Mechanical Engineer.