Automated Surface Impact Testing for Biomechanical Safety Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring surface characteristics and safety in athletic environments are insufficiently biomechanical, lack data collection capabilities, and provide inconsistent and subjective results, failing to capture athlete-derived forces and motions accurately.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, partially or fully automated device equipped with accelerometers and interchangeable appendages to simulate athlete interactions, collecting high-resolution data on shoe-surface or object-surface interactions, measuring kinematics and kinetics, and providing repeatable and reproducible results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing surface measurement devices are used, then basic surface characteristics can be measured, but the measurements lack biomechanical accuracy and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic drop-mass mechanisms that simulate athlete movements, transitioning from static surface testing to dynamic impact testing. The system captures acceleration data during impact events, providing biomechanically accurate measurements of surface characteristics under real athletic loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates accelerometers and data collection systems that provide real-time feedback during impact events. The acceleration data is collected, processed, and analyzed to provide consistent and reliable surface characteristic measurements, enabling objective assessment and comparison across different surfaces and locations.
2Loss of information
If manual surface testing is performed, then surface characteristics can be assessed, but the results are subjective and lack data collection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical surface testing with automated electronic data collection. Accelerometers and sensors automatically capture impact data, eliminating subjectivity and providing objective, quantifiable information that can be used to predict injury risks and assess surface safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces accelerometers and data collection systems as intermediaries between the impact event and the measurement system. These intermediaries automatically capture, process, and transmit impact data, enabling objective analysis and injury prediction without manual intervention.
3Force
If simple impact testing is used, then basic surface hardness can be measured, but athlete-derived forces and motions are not captured accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the testing parameters by varying drop-mass weights, drop heights, and impact angles to simulate different athletic movements. The accelerometers measure multiple parameters including acceleration, force, and displacement, providing comprehensive biomechanical characterization of surface response under diverse athletic loading conditions.
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
Enables accurate prediction and mitigation of injuries by correlating injury data with surface characteristics, improving performance and safety through standardized surface assessments across athletic facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration of the drop mass
Implementation Method 2
a drop mass configured to impact the surface with a force that replicates athlete-derived forces
Data Source
AI summary
A system to measure applied forces to surfaces allowing for safety assessment of apparel and surfaces, such as natural, artificial, hybrid, home, or commercial surfaces. The device and related system can compare deceleration test results to known results related to drop-mass and surface interaction, thereby allowing the system to closely mimic human behavior during movement on a surface.