Modular Headform Assembly for Helmet Impact Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating helmet performance in response to impacts are not well controlled, leading to variable results and an inability to accurately measure forces related to backface deformation and deflection, which can result in unreliable injury risk assessments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a modular headform assembly and a stationary impact assembly with load cells that allows for repeatable and reproducible measurement of impact forces at multiple locations on the helmet, enabling quantification of injury risk through quantifiable metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methodologies are used to measure backface deformation and deflection, then helmet performance can be evaluated, but the measurements are not well controlled and produce variable results
Solution Approach 1:
The headform is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows for precise control of the headform's position and orientation relative to the helmet during impact testing, enabling repeatable and controlled measurement conditions across multiple tests and different impact locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces less precise mechanical measurement methods with a load cell-based measurement system. The load cells provide electrical signals that can be precisely measured and processed, substituting traditional mechanical gauges or visual inspection methods with more accurate and controllable electronic sensing.
2Reliability
If severe impact threats are used to test helmet protection, then real-world protective performance is evaluated, but deformations are so great that they cannot be accurately captured by available methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of load cells positioned between the impactor and the headform. These load cells serve as mediators that can accurately capture the forces transmitted through the helmet during severe impacts without being damaged by the extreme deformation, providing reliable data for injury risk assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to be universal and adaptable to different impact scenarios, helmet types, and threat levels. The modular headform configuration and standardized load cell arrangement allow the same system to accurately measure both mild and severe impact conditions, making it applicable across a wide range of testing requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple impact locations are tested to evaluate helmet performance comprehensively, then complete performance assessment is achieved, but testing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The headform is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing it to be quickly adjusted between different impact locations. The modular segments can be rapidly repositioned and secured, enabling the testing system to efficiently evaluate multiple impact sites without requiring complete disassembly or complex reconfiguration between tests.
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
The system provides reliable and efficient evaluation of helmet performance by measuring impact forces at various locations, enabling quick turnaround and efficient switching between impact sites and helmets, thus improving the assessment of injury risk associated with backface deformation and deflection.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more stationary load cells may be configured to measure impact force at a position where one of the plurality of the modular headforms are operably coupled to the impact assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system provided herein may be configured to evaluate helmet performance. The system may include an impact assembly that includes a stationary post operably coupled to one or more stationary load cells and a plurality of modular headforms. Each modular headform may include a first side and a second side configured to lock together around the impact assembly and receive a helmet. The modular headform may determine a position of the helmet relative to the one or more stationary load cells. Furthermore, the one or more stationary load cells may be configured to measure impact force at a position where one of the plurality of the modular headforms are operably coupled to the impact assembly. Additionally, each of the plurality of modular headforms correspond to a position in relation to the impact assembly to measure the impact force to the one or more load cells at a predefined number of impact locations on the helmet to evaluate the performance of the helmet.