Helmets must undergo certification testing which requires them to be placed on a headform and linearly dropped against a steel anvil while recording the headform’s acceleration. Current standards established by this method fail to consider the effect of rotational motion, which causes concussions and hematomas. To improve current helmet testing standards, the group developed a system that released a moving headform at an oblique angle at a predetermined distance and speed onto a compliant surface.
Using a rail system previously constructed, a modeled Hybrid III base attachment was connected to the carriage that rests on the rail system by linear bearings. The attachment interfaced with a tubular solenoid that was programmed to release the headform at the end of the rail. The release of the attachment from the system allowed rotational motion to be considered. The velocity of the attachment was controlled using a spring and could reach 6 m/s to simulate a falling scenario. For this iteration of the project, a 1m x1m box containing a compliant surface was not incorporated for testing purposes. A Slam Stick should be placed inside a headform to allow for data collection but was not accomplished this semester. The Slam Stick could record the headform acceleration, location of impact, and depth of impact on the compliant surface.
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