Instrumented Mouthguard False Impact Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instrumented mouthguards face challenges in accurately detecting head impacts due to spikes in accelerometer data caused by factors other than head impacts, such as direct impacts and out-of-mouth events, which can result in false data and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of a mouthguard with multiple motion sensing components, including three 3-axis accelerometers and a gyroscope, which are calibrated to determine acceleration at the center of gravity of the head, allowing for accurate impact parameter calculation by assuming a rigid body kinematics model and accounting for localized deformation of the mouthguard body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motion sensing components are used to improve measurement accuracy, then the reliability of impact detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard is divided into multiple component zones with sensors strategically positioned in each zone. This segmentation allows the system to identify which specific sensor or zone is affected by deformation and exclude only that portion from calculations, rather than discarding all sensor data. The patent divides the mouthguard into frontal, left side, and right side component zones, each with their own accelerometers and gyroscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
Data from multiple motion sensing components across different component zones are merged and processed together to determine impact parameters. The system combines accelerometer and gyroscope data from various zones, uses redundant sensors to compensate for deformation effects, and integrates multiple data streams to calculate head acceleration and impact severity, thereby improving reliability through data fusion.
2Productivity
If data from all motion sensing components is used to calculate impact parameters, then the productivity of impact assessment is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to false data from deformed components
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and identifies the specific component zone or sensor that is affected by deformation through data analysis and exclusion criteria. Once a deformed component is identified, its data is extracted from the overall dataset and excluded from impact parameter calculations. This allows the system to use data from healthy sensors while discarding only the corrupted portion, maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different component zones differently based on their deformation status. Instead of uniformly processing all sensor data, the system applies quality checks and exclusion criteria specifically to affected zones while maintaining full utilization of data from unaffected zones. This localized approach preserves measurement precision while maintaining overall productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the mouthguard body is made deformable for comfort and fit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of sensor data deteriorates due to localized deformation affecting motion sensing components
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthguard is segmented into multiple independent component zones, each with its own motion sensing components. This segmentation allows the system to identify and isolate deformation effects to specific zones rather than treating the entire device as a single unit. The patent defines frontal, left side, and right side component zones that can be independently evaluated for deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of deformation into a beneficial diagnostic opportunity. By analyzing patterns in sensor data from multiple zones, the system can identify which zone is deformed and exclude only that portion from calculations. The deformation, while harmful to individual sensor accuracy, provides useful information for identifying and excluding affected components, thereby improving overall system reliability.
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 enhances the accuracy of impact parameter determination, differentiates between valid head impacts and false data, and allows the mouthguard to function effectively even when components are affected by deformation or faulty, thereby improving the assessment of head impacts.
Implementation Method 1
motion sensing components, including three 3-axis accelerometers and a gyroscope
Implementation Method 2
motion sensing components, including three 3-axis accelerometers and a gyroscope
Implementation Method 3
allowing for accurate impact parameter calculation by assuming a rigid body kinematics model
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to technology adapted for improved assessment of brain injuries in a human subject. For example, in some embodiments the invention relates to improved processing of data collected via an instrumented mouthguard device, including identification of false impacts. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts. For example, the technology may be applied to detect other changes in physical performance, beyond head injuries. Furthermore, the technology may be applied in respect of other wearable devices which detect/measure head impacts, for example helmets.