Helmet Impact Simulator with Translucent Head Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the effectiveness of helmets in reducing head trauma do not account for the direct impact on the brain, lacking a simulated head model with a brain component to measure brain acceleration and trauma effectively.
Innovation Solution
A helmet impact simulator that includes a head model with a translucent cover for imaging, allowing for the analysis of brain motion factors like velocity, acceleration, and deformation, and can be used with or without a helmet to evaluate the effectiveness of various protective gear in preventing brain trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional impact testing methods are used, then testing is simpler and less complex, but direct measurement of brain acceleration and trauma is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a scaled-down 1:6 ratio head form replica with an artificial brain component that replicates the essential anatomical structures and material properties of a human head and brain. This copy allows direct measurement of brain acceleration and trauma effects without requiring full-size human testing, achieving precise brain-level measurements while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an artificial brain component as an intermediary element within the head form replica. This artificial brain serves as a measurable surrogate that responds to impact forces in a manner representative of actual brain tissue, enabling direct quantification of brain acceleration and trauma while avoiding the complexity of direct human measurement
2Loss of information
If a translucent cover is added to the head model for imaging, then brain motion analysis is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a translucent cover or coating to the head form replica that allows optical penetration and imaging of the artificial brain component during impact events. This translucent layer enables camera systems to capture brain motion, deformation, and acceleration data without requiring complex disassembly or multiple head model configurations
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 the prediction of brain trauma by analyzing images of the brain component during impact, providing valuable data on the effectiveness of helmets in reducing brain acceleration and trauma through detailed image analysis and sensor measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a head model is configured with a translucent cover on the imaging side of the head model to enable a camera to take a plurality of images of the head model as it is impacted
Data Source
AI summary
A head impact test apparatus is configured to enable viewing a head model including a brain component that may be at least partially surrounded by a fluid component and within a skull component. A head model may be a cross-sectional model of a person's head and have a translucent cover extending over the cross-sectional plane to enable viewing and image capture of the components of the head model. A camera may be configured to take a plurality of images during an impact test. These images may be analyzed to determine the acceleration and deformation of the brain component. An impact element is configured to impact the head model and the head model may have any type of helmet thereon. A helmet component may comprise a helmet cover. The test may be used to determine the effectiveness of helmets and helmet covers in reducing brain trauma.