Centripetal Neck Exerciser for Reflex Response and Concussion Risk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for strengthening neck muscles to protect against concussions are inadequate as they primarily focus on increasing neck girth without improving reflex response and stiffness, and there is a lack of effective devices for assessing pre-participation concussion risk.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing adjustable centripetal force around a fixed axis on the head to train and assess neck muscle strength and responsiveness, incorporating a length-adjustable and weightable elongated element mounted on headwear, allowing for measurement of neck muscle performance through revolutions around a central axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional neck strength training methods are used, then neck girth increases, but reflex response and muscle stiffness are not improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneck girthVSAvoidreflex response

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies dynamic rotational force to the head rather than static resistance, forcing neck muscles to respond reflexively to changing force directions and magnitudes. This dynamic stimulation improves both muscle strength and reflex response simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system varies multiple parameters including force magnitude, rotation speed, and force application timing to create adaptive training conditions that enhance both muscular strength and neuromuscular reflex response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If neck muscles are trained with static resistance, then muscle mass increases, but responsiveness to acceleration forces is not enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle massVSAvoidreflex response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational force system creates dynamic, unpredictable force vectors that require rapid neuromuscular responses, thereby improving reflex speed while simultaneously building muscle mass through resistance training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies periodic rotational forces with varying frequencies and amplitudes, creating repetitive stress patterns that enhance both muscle hypertrophy and neuromuscular response timing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Strength

If conventional training devices are used, then neck strength is partially improved, but concussion risk assessment capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneck strengthVSAvoidconcussion risk assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device serves multiple functions: it provides neck strength training through resistance application and simultaneously assesses concussion risk by measuring performance metrics such as rotation speed, force tolerance, and muscular endurance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates performance measurement capabilities that provide feedback on neck muscle response to rotational forces, enabling assessment of concussion risk based on quantifiable metrics while guiding progressive strength training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances neck muscle strength and responsiveness, providing a means to assess and predict concussion risk by adjusting resistance levels and measuring performance, thus improving protection against head injuries.

Implementation Method 1

incorporates an adjustable centripetal force about a fixed axis on the head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentripetal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

The elongated element has a first end proximate the mount and second end remote from the mount. Longer elongated elements, larger weights and weights positioned nearer the second end provide greater moments of inertia and larger centripetal forces.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoment of inertia: Moment of Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS9636542B2Neck muscle exerciser and method of assessing neck muscle performance

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 VERSTEEGH THEODORE HENRY

AI summary

Training neck muscles in such a way as to improve responsiveness to head acceleration forces, and to help prevent concussion and/or screen subjects who are at high risk of concussion, especially from contact sports, the neck muscles may be trained to improve strength and responsiveness to head acceleration. This may be accomplished by a device and/or method of training that incorporates an adjustable centripetal force about a fixed axis on the head. The centripetal force may be adjusted through varying the weight and/or length of a force arm. Neck muscle performance may be measured by the number of revolutions of the force arm completed over a pre-determined time period or the time required to complete a pre-determined number of revolutions of the force arm.