Impact Detection Device Packaging with Flexible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of widely available and user-friendly devices to detect and evaluate impact injuries, such as concussions, during sports and physical activities, which can lead to long-term negative health implications if undiagnosed or untreated.
Innovation Solution
The development of impact detection devices equipped with sensors like high-g accelerometers and gyroscopes that can be worn on the head or body, providing real-time data on impact events, and integrating with mobile devices and cloud systems for analysis and communication of potential traumatic brain injuries, along with algorithms for determining impact severity and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If impact detection devices are made inexpensive and user-friendly, then accessibility and usage increase, but detection precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into a single integrated impact detection device. This merging of sensing capabilities allows the device to maintain high measurement precision through multi-parameter monitoring while keeping the overall device compact and user-friendly for athletic use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs algorithms that analyze multiple parameters simultaneously (linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, orientation data) and change the state of detection from single-parameter to multi-parameter assessment. This enables precise impact detection and concussion evaluation while maintaining an inexpensive, wearable form factor.
2Reliability
If real-time impact data collection and analysis is implemented, then immediate injury assessment is enabled, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary processing of sensor data through embedded algorithms that continuously monitor acceleration and orientation parameters. By pre-processing data in real-time and establishing baseline measurements before impact events, the system enables immediate injury assessment without requiring complex post-event analysis, thus managing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data is continuously analyzed and compared against established concussion criteria. The device provides real-time feedback on impact severity and potential injury risk, allowing for immediate assessment decisions. This feedback loop manages complexity by using iterative analysis rather than requiring complex centralized processing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and processing algorithms are integrated, then detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sensor platform that performs multiple functions: detecting linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, orientation, and impact forces using a standardized combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. This multi-functional approach allows the same sensor suite to detect various types of impacts (concussive and non-concussive) without requiring specialized sensors for each function, thereby improving detection accuracy while controlling manufacturing costs through component standardization.
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 immediate and reliable assessment of impact injuries, facilitating timely decision-making and triaging, while also providing performance metrics and historical data for athlete safety and injury prevention.
Implementation Method 1
The device can include a high-g accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
gyroscopes that can be worn on the head or body
Data Source
AI summary
An impact detection device for detecting impacts to a body part of a user and various supporting systems are discussed. In an example, an impact detect device can include a circuit board, a component having a first section and a second section, a battery, and a molding for housing the circuit boat, the battery and the component. The circuit board can include impact detection circuitry including at least two sensors and a communication circuit. A zone of reduced rigidity can connect the first and second sections of the component, with the circuit board secured to the first section. The battery can be secured to the second section of the component allowing for flex relative to the circuit board. The molding can be shaped and dimensioned for mounting to a body part of the user.