Embedded Files
Background
Background
Equestrians pose a high risk of TBIs at any level. Nearly 60% of equestrian-related hospital admissions were due to head injuries, and more head injuries come from equestrian over any other sport. Helmets have been shown to reduce the severity of these injuries, however current equestrian helmet testing systems fail to accurately model real-life scenarios.
The industry-standard tests involve a headform mounted to perform a linear drop test on a steel anvil. This testing strategy does not account for the rotational motion associated with projectile movement. Rotational acceleration (RA) is more strongly implicated in TBI. Brain tissue tends to deform following the application of shearing forces, and approximately 90% of the total shearing stresses produced can be attributed to RA.
Accurate testing is a necessity to ensure riders have maximum protection from impact. Besides the headform movement aspect, a steel anvil does not fully represent the impact surfaces riders typically encounter. Often, riders face compliant surfaces such as turf and poly-track. Testing on alternative surfaces would contribute to a fuller picture of helmet safety.
The Design
The Design
This design intends to address the following objectives.
The headform must consistently release at a precise and repeatable point under identical conditions.
The headform must accurately model the projectile motion experienced during impact scenarios.
The design must allow for interchangeable landing surfaces
Views of Headform Release Mechanism
The rail system was built by the previous senior design team, and consists of a frame, main track, winch, spring, and sliding cart. Stabilizing braces are added to the frame to reduce shaking and movement during test trials. By cranking the winch, the spring engages with the cart via a connecting electromagnet, and it releases to propel the cart down the track at a specific velocity and acceleration. The Hybrid III headform is the industry standard for helmet testing procedures, and can be outfitted with any standard-sized riding helmet. A standard threaded hole within the headform is used to mount the accelerometer, which tracks the acceleration, velocity, and shock from impact.
The mechanical release initiates the headform’s motion as a projectile by connecting to the headform’s threading with a pair of grabbing arms. The connecting lever strikes the plate attachment to the rail, quickly opening the arms and releasing the headform. After the release of the headform, the internally mounted sensor reports the acceleration, velocity, and angle of motion.
Website Video.mp4Video of System Running
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse