Head-Mounted Impact Sensing Device with 360-Degree G-Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted impact sensing and warning devices lack the capability for 360-degree impact detection and visual indication of g-force measurements, such as changes in light or liquid color, which are essential for comprehensive head protection.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted impact sensing and warning device that includes a band worn around the head or helmeted area, equipped with an impact sensing device, such as an accelerometer, and a visual indicating device that produces a visual alert, like illuminating light or color change, when an impact exceeds a predetermined level, integrated into a self-contained unit housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple accelerometers are positioned around the head to achieve 360-degree impact detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the head into multiple monitoring zones (front, back, sides) and positions accelerometers strategically in each zone to achieve comprehensive 360-degree coverage. This segmentation approach enables full-range impact detection while managing device complexity through organized spatial distribution of sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-mounted device integrates multiple functions including impact sensing, visual indication, and data processing into a single unified system. The accelerometers serve multiple purposes: detecting linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, and impact direction, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized sensors and simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Loss of information
If visual indicating devices are added to provide immediate impact feedback, then information delivery is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs visual indicating devices that change color or illuminate in response to detected impacts, providing immediate and intuitive feedback to the user. This color-change mechanism delivers critical impact information quickly and clearly, reducing information loss while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of straightforward optical indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicating devices serve as an intermediary between the impact sensing system and the user, translating complex accelerometer data into simple, intuitive visual signals. This intermediary function efficiently communicates impact information without requiring complex processing or display systems, thereby managing device complexity while improving information delivery.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made self-contained with integrated housing, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the accelerometers, visual indicating devices, power source, and processing electronics into a single integrated housing unit. This consolidation improves ease of operation by providing a compact, portable device that requires no external components or complex assembly, while the modular design of the housing manages manufacturing complexity through standardized integration processes.
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 full-range measurement of g-forces around the head, providing immediate visual notification of impacts exceeding safety thresholds, thereby enhancing head protection and concussion awareness.
Implementation Method 1
an impact sensing device configured to sense an impact sustained by the head or the helmeted area of the user
Implementation Method 2
at least one visual indicating device operatively coupled to the impact sensing device, the at least one visual indicating device configured to produce a visual indicator when the impact sensing device senses an impact that exceeds a predetermined impact level
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted impact sensing and warning device includes a band adapted to be worn around at least a portion of the head or helmeted area of a user; an impact sensing device configured to sense an impact sustained by the head or the helmeted area of the user; at least one visual indicating device operatively coupled to the impact sensing device, the at least one visual indicating device configured to produce a visual indicator when the impact sensing device senses an impact that exceeds a predetermined impact level, thereby providing a visual alert that the impact sustained by the head or the helmeted area of the user exceeded the predetermined impact level; and a unit housing containing the impact sensing device and the at least one visual indicating device, the unit housing being coupled to the band or the helmeted area.