Flexible Printed Circuit Force Detection for Traumatic Brain Injury Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmet technologies lack efficient and accurate methods for determining the angle of force impact and the linear path of force through the head, limiting the comprehensive understanding of traumatic brain injuries and the effectiveness of impact data capture.
Innovation Solution
A device with integrated flexible printed ink sensor circuits captures biomechanical data by using a multi-layered system comprising substrate, tracks, sensors, and protective layers, allowing for accurate determination of force location, magnitude, and linear path through the use of piezoresistive sensors and a processing circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid sensors with wire connections are used, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solid mechanical sensors with wire connections with flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) sensors that use printed conductive traces. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wire connections and mechanical assembly, reducing device complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible substrate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards as sensor substrates, which are thin, flexible films that can conform to curved surfaces while providing electrical connectivity. This approach maintains structural strength through the layered construction while dramatically simplifying manufacturing compared to rigid wired sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple accelerometers are used to capture biomechanical data, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible printed circuit board as an intermediary substrate that integrates multiple pressure-sensitive sensors in a distributed array. This intermediary structure allows for spatial distribution of sensing elements, improving measurement precision across the impact surface while the FPCB itself acts as a noise-filtering medium through its mechanical properties.
3Measurement precision
If pre-loaded impact profiles are required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic impact profile generation and storage. The system automatically captures, processes, and stores impact data from multiple sensors, generating impact profiles without requiring external pre-configuration or manual intervention. This eliminates the need for pre-loaded profiles while maintaining measurement precision through automated data acquisition and analysis.
4Ease of manufacture
If sensors are positioned externally to the helmet, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to impact data accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor system with the helmet structure by integrating flexible printed circuit boards directly into the helmet's inner lining or shell. This combining approach maintains ease of manufacture through modular FPCB units while significantly improving reliability by positioning sensors at the optimal location for capturing accurate impact data directly at the point of contact.
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 device provides detailed biomechanical data, including accurate location and angle of force impact, enhancing the understanding and management of traumatic brain injuries, and enabling more informed medical triage and rehabilitation strategies.
Implementation Method 1
the printed pressure sensitive element comprises a piezoactive ink
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for detecting a force or pressure applied to an object is disclosed. The device (200) comprises a first flexible substrate layer (101) having a first plurality of pressure sensors (103) thereon; and a first plurality of electrically conductive tracks (102); wherein the first plurality of electrically conductive tracks are arranged to provide an electrical connection to the plurality of pressure sensors.