Impact Detection Sensor for Concussion Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current impact detection equipment for concussions is too expensive for youth sports and broader applications, necessitating a widely adoptable, customizable, reusable, and easily identifiable force detection device that can account for both linear and rotational acceleration effects.
Innovation Solution
An integrated protective accessory for helmets and eyewear, featuring a housing with sensors and a processor that detects impacts, provides visual and audible alarms, and is securely attachable via fasteners, incorporating both accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure impact severity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current impact detection equipment is used, then concussion detection capability is achieved, but cost becomes too expensive for youth sports and broader applications
Solution Approach 1:
The impact detection device is divided into separate functional modules: sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) housed in a protective housing, a processor unit, and an alarm element. This segmentation allows for targeted component selection and manufacturing, reducing overall cost while maintaining detection reliability for youth sports applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standardized impact detection device is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different sports and helmet types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates universal mounting features including fasteners and mounting brackets that can attach to various helmet types and protective equipment. The sensor housing design allows integration with different sports gear (helmets, face masks, shoulder pads), enabling a single standardized device to serve multiple sports and applications while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made compact for helmet integration, then ease of installation is improved, but the complexity of integrating multiple sensors and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (accelerometers, gyroscopes, processor, alarm element, and mounting mechanisms) are merged into a single integrated housing unit. This consolidation simplifies installation by reducing the number of separate components to attach, while internally organizing the complexity of integrating multiple sensors and electronic elements into a unified device.
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 early detection of concussions, reducing the risk of long-term damage by providing a cost-effective, customizable, and reusable solution that effectively measures both linear and rotational acceleration, thus aiding in the prevention of conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Second-Impact Syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors within the housing for sensing an impact event of a wearer when wearing the helmet and for producing sensor data
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors within the housing for sensing an impact event of a wearer when wearing the helmet and for producing sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, an accessory for an activity is provided, and includes an accessory housing, an impact detection device and a secondary module. The impact detection device includes at least one impact sensor selected from the group of sensors comprising an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The secondary module includes at least a battery configured for powering both the impact detection device and the secondary module. The impact detection device and secondary module together further include a microcontroller and a memory. The impact detection device is removably connectable to the secondary module and is connectable to another secondary module in another protective accessory.