Jugular Compression Collar for Concussion and Blast Injury Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmets are ineffective in mitigating concussive injuries to the brain, inner ear, spinal column, and eyes due to their inability to limit the effects of skull and brain movement (SLOSH) during high-velocity acceleration-deceleration events, leading to traumatic brain injury and associated sensory neural hearing loss, spinal cord damage, and ocular trauma.
Innovation Solution
Mechanically restricting the flow of neck veins to increase intracranial, intraocular, and cerebrospinal fluid pressure by applying external pressure to the jugular veins using collars or garments with protuberances, thereby reducing the differential acceleration between the skull and its contents and increasing the volume and pressure within the cranial and spinal compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If helmets are used to protect the skull, then skull fractures and penetrating injuries are prevented, but concussive injuries to the brain are not mitigated
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into two functional components: an external helmet for skull protection and an internal collar device for brain protection. The collar applies localized pressure to the neck veins to increase intracranial pressure, creating a segmented approach where each component addresses a specific aspect of head injury prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary device between the external environment and the brain. By applying pressure to the neck veins, it mediates the transmission of concussive forces to the brain, increasing intracranial pressure to reduce brain movement and energy absorption during impact.
2Loss of energy
If intracranial pressure is increased to reduce brain compressibility, then energy absorption is reduced, but blood flow egress from the head is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The collar applies dynamic pressure to the neck veins that is sufficient to increase intracranial pressure and reduce brain compressibility during concussive events, while maintaining blood flow under normal conditions. The pressure application is optimized to achieve protective effects without permanently restricting circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the pressure parameter of the intracranial cavity by compressing neck veins, thereby altering the physical state of brain tissue from compressible to less compressible. This parameter change reduces the brain's ability to absorb kinetic energy during impact while temporarily affecting blood flow dynamics.
3Stress or pressure
If the collar applies pressure to restrict neck vein flow, then intracranial pressure increases, but discomfort or restriction of breathing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The collar applies pressure locally to specific regions of the neck where neck veins are accessible, rather than applying uniform pressure around the entire neck. This localized pressure application achieves the desired intracranial pressure increase while minimizing interference with breathing and overall comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar applies partial pressure restriction to neck veins - sufficient to increase intracranial pressure for protection, but not so excessive as to completely restrict blood flow or cause significant discomfort. The pressure level is optimized to achieve protective effects with minimal side effects.
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
Reduces the likelihood of traumatic brain injury, inner ear damage, spinal column injury, and ocular trauma by minimizing energy absorption and maintaining the integrity of brain, ear, and eye structures during concussive events.
Implementation Method 1
applying an external pressure to the protuberances sufficient to restrict blood flow egressing from the head of the subject through the one or more neck veins
Implementation Method 2
Mitigating SLOSH by increasing the pressure of the fluid contents of the brain can significantly reduce the propensity for damage to the brain tissue or its blood vessels by reducing the compressibility of the brain. The reduction in compressibility results in reduced absorption of kinetic, acoustic, thermal, and vibrational energy by the brain
Data Source
Figure 1A~3
Figure 4~7(c)
Figure 8~9
AI summary
A system for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function