Monitoring Head Impacts with a Smart Headband

From our participation in the PANTHER Program to designing and using a one of a kind testing rig dedicated to the analysis of rotational impacts on helmet wearers, Team Wendy engineers have always been at the forefront of research and development. As part of the PANTHER Program, a research team consisting of engineers from Team Wendy and university partners from University of Wisconsin-Madison and Brown University had a paper published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers about new wearable technology used to gather real-time data of people who wear helmets. The paper is locked behind a subscription paywall, but below is a high-level overview of the important work being done to help understand and minimize traumatic brain injuries. 

Lightweight Wearable Headband with Flexible-Hybrid Electronics for Head-Kinematic Monitoring and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Risk Detection
Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), such as concussions, are a significant health concern, especially in sports and military environments. These injuries often result from high-impact forces and can lead to serious long-term health issues. To address this, researchers have developed a new, lightweight headband equipped with advanced sensors to monitor head movements and detect potential brain injuries in real-time.

The Headband System: The headband integrates eight tiny sensors called tri-axial accelerometers, which measure the acceleration of the head in three directions. These sensors are arranged in a special configuration to accurately capture head movements during impacts. The system uses a unique algorithm that relies solely on these accelerometers, eliminating the need for additional sensors like gyroscopes. This makes the headband more energy-efficient and comfortable to wear.

How It Works: When the headband detects an impact, it begins recording data at 1600 times per second. This detailed data helps in understanding the severity and direction of the impact. The headband's design ensures that it can measure both small and large impacts accurately, making it suitable for various high-impact scenarios, such as sports collisions or military training exercises.

Testing and Validation: The researchers tested the headband on a dummy head designed to mimic human head movements. They subjected the dummy to impacts from different directions and at various force levels. The results showed that the headband's measurements were highly accurate and consistent, closely matching the data from reference sensors. This validation confirms the headband's reliability in real-world conditions.

Significance: This innovative headband system serves as a “proof of concept” for a lightweight, wearable sensor package that can accurately monitor head impacts in real-time. It can be used in sports helmets or military gear to provide immediate feedback on potential brain injuries, helping to prevent long-term damage. The headband's lightweight and flexible design make it comfortable to wear, encouraging its adoption in various high-impact activities.

Future Work: While the current tests were conducted in controlled laboratory settings, future research will focus on real-world testing with human participants. This will help refine the headband's performance and ensure its effectiveness in practical scenarios, such as on the sports field or in military operations.

This new headband technology represents a significant step forward in protecting individuals from the dangers of head impacts. By providing accurate, real-time data on head movements, it has the potential to improve safety in sports and military environments, ultimately reducing the risk of brain injuries.