I-Corps: Translation Potential of Head Impact Monitoring with Embedded Sensor Technology in Sports Helmets

I-Corps项目的更广泛影响是开发了一种用于运动头盔的传感技术，旨在识别脑震荡。目前，未被发现的脑震荡构成了一个重大风险，推迟了运动员的治疗，并使他们面临进一步的神经损伤。这项技术可能会减少脑震荡的识别时间，并将额外的脑损伤降至最低。收集的数据将有助于确定趋势，建立影响阈值，并增强准确性和交付接口。这些信息为神经学研究和头盔技术的改进带来了希望，促进了对脑震荡病因的理解。创造一个更安全的运动环境促进更多的参与和更好的伤害预防，保护大脑健康。这个i-Corps项目利用经验学习和对行业生态系统的第一手调查来评估技术的转化潜力。该解决方案基于125微米钝化撞击传感器技术的开发，该技术旨在为运动头盔提供附加设备。这种亚毫米传感器利用了法布里·佩罗涉原理。在碰撞或撞击时，传感器反射的光的变化会引起干涉图案的变化。头盔上钝力引起的干涉漂移引起的光功率波动通过使用算法的Q点跟踪来监测。通过提供实时、可量化的数据，医疗专业人员和教练能够对运动员的健康做出数据驱动的决策，为准确和及时地诊断脑震荡和其他头部损伤设定了新的标准。这项技术可能会为脑震荡等创伤性脑损伤提供一种快速监测和治疗的方法。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact of this I-Corps project is the development of a sensing technology for sports helmets that is designed to identify concussions. Currently, undetected concussions pose a significant risk, delaying treatment for athletes and exposing them to further neurological damage. This technology may reduce the recognition time for concussions and minimize additional brain injuries. The data collected will help identify trends, establish impact thresholds, and enhance accuracy and delivery interfaces. This information holds promise for neurological research and improvement of headgear technologies, facilitating progress in understanding concussion etiology. Creating a safer athletic environment promotes increased participation and better injury prevention, protecting brain health.This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with a first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of the technology. The solution is based on the development of a 125-micrometer blunt impact sensor technology designed as an add-on device for sports helmets. This sub-millimeter sensor leverages Fabry Perot interference principles. Upon collision or impact, alterations in the reflected light from the sensor induce changes in the interference pattern. Optical power fluctuations resulting from interference shifts caused by blunt force on the helmet are monitored through Q-point tracking using an algorithm. By providing real-time, quantifiable data, medical professionals and trainers are enabled to make data-driven decisions regarding the athlete's health, setting a new standard for accurately and promptly diagnosing concussions and other head injuries. This technology may provide a way for traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, to be quickly monitored and treated.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.