Compression Collar Jugular Vein Pressure Blast Injury
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective measures, such as helmets, are inadequate in preventing concussive injuries to the brain, inner ear, spinal column, and eyes from external concussive forces, as they fail to mitigate the effects of differential motion between the skull and its contents, leading to traumatic axonal and glial injuries.
Innovation Solution
A compression collar that applies pressure to the internal jugular vein to increase cerebral blood volume and intracranial pressure, reducing the differential acceleration between the skull and its contents, thereby minimizing shearing forces and energy absorption during concussive events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If helmets are used for cranial protection, then skull fractures and penetrating injuries are prevented, but concussive injuries from differential motion between skull and contents are not mitigated
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into two functional components: an outer helmet shell for skull protection and an inner compliance device for concussion mitigation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its protective function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A compliance device filled with compressible material is introduced as an intermediary between the skull and the external environment. This intermediary absorbs concussive forces through controlled compression, preventing direct transmission to the brain and reducing differential motion between skull and contents.
2Reliability
If the intracranial cavity is filled with compressible material to reduce SLOSH, then differential motion between skull and contents is reduced, but the natural compliance and cushioning of cerebrospinal fluid may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance device is positioned locally at the base of the skull rather than filling the entire intracranial cavity. This localized approach provides concussion mitigation where most needed while preserving the natural distribution and function of cerebrospinal fluid in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance device utilizes material with specific compressibility parameters that allow it to deform under concussive loads while maintaining structural integrity. The material properties are selected to match the mechanical characteristics of natural brain tissue, providing protection without disrupting intracranial pressure balance.
3Strength
If a rigid container structure is used to protect the brain, then skull fractures are prevented, but the brain's ability to move freely and absorb energy is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance device is positioned beforehand at the base of the skull to provide pre-positioned cushioning against incoming concussive forces. This advance preparation allows the device to absorb energy through controlled compression before the force reaches the brain, preventing both skull fractures and brain injury.
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
The solution effectively reduces the incidence of traumatic axonal and glial injuries by increasing intracranial and intraocular pressure, thereby protecting the brain, inner ear, spinal column, and eyes from concussive forces, as demonstrated by significant reductions in axonal injury and pressure increases.
Implementation Method 1
applying pressure to the neck vein by pressing the at least one region inwardly directed to contact the neck onto the surface of the neck, thereby restricting blood flow egressing the intracranial cavity
Implementation Method 2
Increases in volume of the contents of the skull and bony spinal canal, within the range of reserve volume, occur at low container pressures (due to the high compliance of the system)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of a blast or concussive event includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during the incidence of the concussive event. Reducing blood out flow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood out flow further increases the intracranial pressure, and thereby increases the pressure of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.