Neck Muscle Exerciser Using Centripetal Force for Concussion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for strengthening neck muscles to protect against concussions are inadequate as they primarily focus on increasing neck girth without improving reflexes and responsiveness, and there is a lack of effective devices for assessing pre-participation concussion risk.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilizes adjustable centripetal force around a fixed axis on the head to strengthen and assess neck muscles by varying the weight and length of a force arm, allowing for measurement of neck muscle performance through revolutions or time to complete a set number of revolutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional neck strength training methods are used to increase neck girth, then neck muscle mass increases, but reflex response and neuromuscular responsiveness do not improve
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies dynamic rotational forces to the head that simulate actual concussion mechanics, triggering reflex responses. The force arm rotates around the head's vertical axis, creating time-varying loads that engage neuromuscular reflexes rather than static muscle strengthening alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The training device applies periodic rotational forces through repeated revolutions of the force arm. This periodic loading pattern stimulates reflex arc activation and neuromuscular coordination, improving the speed and effectiveness of protective reflex responses.
2Strength
If neck muscles are strengthened through static exercises, then muscle mass increases, but responsiveness to head acceleration forces remains inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static resistance with dynamic rotational forces that mimic real-world head acceleration patterns. The force arm's rotation creates time-dependent loads that train the neuromuscular system to respond rapidly to accelerative forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device varies training parameters including rotational speed, force arm length, and applied mass to progressively challenge the neuromuscular system. These parameter changes enable adaptation of both strength and response speed to match actual concussion scenarios.
3Strength
If conventional training devices are used, then general neck strength may improve, but accurate assessment of concussion risk cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves multiple functions: it provides neuromuscular training, strength development, and concussion risk assessment all through the same apparatus. The force arm system can both train the neck muscles and measure performance metrics for risk evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates measurement capabilities that provide feedback on neck muscle performance during the exercise. By monitoring revolutions, time, and force parameters, the device assesses concussion risk based on actual neuromuscular response to simulated acceleration forces.
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
Enhances neck muscle responsiveness to head acceleration forces, providing a safer method for concussion prevention and accurately predicting concussion risk by improving neuromuscular strength and stiffness, thus protecting the brain from injury.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable centripetal force about a fixed axis on the head. A magnitude of the centripetal force may be adjusted through varying the weight and/or length of a force arm
Implementation Method 2
The resistance generated by the rotating element is a function of the square of the velocity of rotation and the moment of inertia of the rotating element
Data Source
AI summary
Training neck muscles in such a way as to improve responsiveness to head acceleration forces, and to help prevent concussion and/or screening subjects who are at high risk of concussion, especially from contact sports or military activities, may be accomplished by a device and/or method of training that incorporates an adjustable centripetal force about a fixed axis on the head. The centripetal force may be adjusted through varying the weight and/or length of a force arm, and neck muscle performance may be measured by a number of revolutions of the force arm completed over a set time period or a time required to complete a pre-determined number of revolutions of the force arm.