Helmet Testing Sled with Instrumented Dummies for Neck Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmet testing standards fail to accurately replicate the impacts experienced in contact sports, as they only consider the head and not the full mass and dynamics of the human body, and do not account for the effects of other safety equipment like shoulder pads, nor measure forces and moments in the neck during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a sled with a bullet dummy and a target dummy, both fully instrumented with linear accelerometers, angular rate sensors, and load cells, to replicate the forces and dynamics of on-field impacts, allowing for adjustable orientation and velocity to recreate various impact conditions, utilizing Hybrid III crash test dummies to emulate human body dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional helmet testing standards are used (measuring only linear accelerations in a head form), then the testing process is simple and quick, but the test results do not accurately reflect real-world impacts experienced in contact sports
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into separate functional modules: a head form for measuring head accelerations, a body form for measuring body dynamics and neck forces, and a sled system for controlling impact conditions. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific measurement function while working together to provide comprehensive impact data that reflects real-world sports impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system transitions from measuring only linear accelerations in one dimension to measuring both linear and rotational accelerations in multiple dimensions. The head form includes sensors that detect rotational movements, while the body form measures forces in three-dimensional space, providing a more complete picture of impact dynamics that occurs during actual sports play.
2Measurement precision
If helmet testing only uses a head form without the full mass and dynamics of the human body, then the testing setup is simpler, but it fails to account for the effects of body mass and safety equipment on impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the head form and body form into a single integrated testing apparatus. The head form is positioned on the body form, creating a combined system that simultaneously measures both head accelerations and body dynamics. This integration allows the test to capture the interaction between body mass, safety equipment, and impact forces, providing more accurate measurement of real-world impact conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The body form acts as an intermediary between the head form and the sled system. It provides a platform that supports the head form while also measuring the forces and movements of the body itself. The body form includes load cells and sensors that detect forces transmitted through the body during impact, serving as a mediator that connects head-level measurements with body-level dynamics.
3Measurement precision
If traditional testing does not measure forces and moments in the neck, then the testing procedure is simpler, but it misses critical data about neck injuries and the effects of impact forces on the cervical spine
Solution Approach 1:
The body form incorporates specialized measurement systems at specific critical locations, particularly in the neck and cervical spine areas. Load cells and sensors are strategically positioned to measure forces and moments in the neck, providing localized measurement data that is essential for understanding neck injury risks. This targeted approach allows detailed measurement of critical areas without requiring the entire testing system to be overly complex.
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
This approach provides a more accurate representation of real-world impacts, allowing for the evaluation of protective helmets and equipment effectiveness in preventing injuries by measuring peak accelerations, forces, and moments, and enabling the recreation of a wide range of in-game impact scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The sled and the bullet dummy can be propelled toward the platform and the target dummy along a sled track at a speed that is sufficient to replicate the forces typically associated with a sports impact
Implementation Method 2
Before reaching the platform, the forward motion of the sled is abruptly halted
Implementation Method 3
This dummy-dummy impact enables more accurate replication of on-field impact conditions
Implementation Method 4
launched the bullet dummy into the target dummy
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a helmet testing system includes a sled adapted to support a bullet dummy, a track along which the sled can travel, a target dummy support apparatus adapted to support a target dummy at a point near an end of the track, and an impact cushion positioned at the end of the track that is adapted to halt forward motion of the sled along the track to enable the bullet dummy to be launched from the sled and into the target dummy.