Segmented Cervical Neck Model for Whiplash Injury Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current crash test dummies, such as Hybrid III and BioRI D II, have neck models that are too stiff and simplistic, failing to accurately simulate human neck behavior, especially in high-speed frontal and side crashes where whiplash injuries occur.
Innovation Solution
A new physical neck model is designed with 7 vertebrae and 5 intervertebral discs, closely mimicking human neck geometry and material properties, including ligaments, facet joints, and muscles, which can be scaled and adapted for various crash test dummies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple disc-shaped vertebrae and limited intervertebral discs are used in dummy neck models, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but anatomical similarity to human neck deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The neck model is segmented into 7 distinct vertebrae (C1-C7) matching human anatomy, with each vertebra having complex geometric features including vertebral bodies, arches, and processes. This segmentation allows detailed anatomical representation while maintaining modular manufacturing through additive fabrication of individual segments that are subsequently assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the vertebrae are given locally optimized geometries matching human anatomy - the vertebral bodies have specific height and width ratios, the arches have defined thickness variations, and the processes are positioned and sized to match cadaver data. This local quality approach ensures anatomical accuracy in critical regions while managing overall manufacturing complexity.
2Shape
If ligament structures and facet joints are included in the neck model, then anatomical similarity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ligament structures (anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, ligamentum flavum, interspinous ligaments) and facet joints are integrated into the vertebrae assembly as interconnected components. The ligaments are attached to specific vertebral landmarks and the facet joints are formed by articulating surfaces on adjacent vertebrae, creating a unified anatomical structure that moves together during whiplash simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ligament and facet joint structures are created by copying actual human anatomical relationships observed in cadaver studies. The ligament insertion points, orientations, and lengths are based on measured human anatomy, and the facet joint geometries replicate the articulating surfaces found in human cervical vertebrae, ensuring accurate biomechanical behavior.
3Measurement precision
If 7 vertebrae with complex geometry are used instead of 5 simple disc vertebrae, then anatomical accuracy improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical manufacturing methods (molding, machining) are replaced with additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology. This substitution enables the fabrication of complex vertebral geometries with internal structures and surface features that would be difficult or impossible to create with conventional methods, while maintaining the precision required for anatomical accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertebral geometries are pre-designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software based on cadaver measurements and anatomical data before manufacturing. This preliminary digital modeling allows optimization of the complex geometries for additive manufacturing, ensuring that the final printed parts achieve the desired anatomical accuracy while managing manufacturing constraints.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the neck model is designed for high-speed frontal and side crashes, then applicability to various crash scenarios improves, but the neck structure becomes more complex and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The neck model is designed with universal applicability to multiple crash scenarios through its anatomically accurate 7-vertebrae structure with ligaments and facet joints. The same neck model can be installed on different dummy types (frontal, rear, side crash dummies) and provides accurate whiplash simulation across various impact directions and speeds, eliminating the need for scenario-specific neck designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck model incorporates dynamic ligament structures that can adjust their mechanical behavior during impact. The ligaments are designed to exhibit nonlinear force-displacement characteristics, becoming stiffer as they stretch during whiplash motion, which allows the neck to respond realistically to different impact speeds and directions while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention subject matter of the application is related to a new physical neck model where all neck injuries and particularly the "whiplash" neck injuries can be examined for "adult crash test dummies" used in vehicle crash tests in the vehicle safety field.