Differential Acceleration Head Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices are unable to accurately measure differential acceleration of the head relative to the body, which is a critical factor in traumatic brain injuries, and fail to detect subtle changes in neurophysiological status associated with mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI), leading to inadequate detection and prevention of chronic neurological damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising multiple accelerometers positioned on the head, neck, and behind the ear, connected to a processor that calculates differential acceleration, including linear, angular, and rotational acceleration, with features such as alert systems and data recording to detect and quantify head impacts and their effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple accelerometers are used to measure differential acceleration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent accelerometer units positioned at different locations (head, neck, body). Each accelerometer independently measures acceleration at its location, and the processor segments the calculation by computing differential acceleration between specific pairs of sensors. This segmentation enables precise differential measurement while maintaining modular device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A processor acts as an intermediary between the multiple accelerometers and the output data. The processor receives raw acceleration data from multiple sensors, performs the differential calculation algorithm, and produces the final differential acceleration measurement. This intermediary component manages the complexity of multiple sensors while delivering simplified precise output.
2Measurement precision
If accelerometers are positioned on head and neck to measure differential acceleration, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions: measuring linear acceleration, angular acceleration, and rotational differential acceleration of the head relative to the body. By consolidating multiple measurement capabilities into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves high detection accuracy without requiring multiple separate attachment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures multiple physical parameters simultaneously (linear acceleration, angular acceleration, rotational acceleration) using the same accelerometer hardware. By changing the measurement parameters through software processing rather than requiring different physical sensor configurations, the device maintains ease of operation while providing comprehensive impact detection.
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
Enables sensitive and objective detection of head impacts, providing real-time data to prevent further injury and predict long-term neurological consequences, thereby aiding in the development of strategies to minimize neurological damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first accelerometer electrically coupled to the processor and operably coupled to a head of a user; a second accelerometer electrically coupled to the processor and operably coupled to neck or body of a user
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises apparatuses and methods of detecting impacts to the head. Accelerometers attached to a user's head and neck or body is used to measure the differential acceleration of the head with respect to the neck or body. A differential acceleration exceeding a certain threshold may be indicative of the user suffering a traumatic brain injury.