Comparative Analysis for the Measurement of Head Accelerations in Ice Hockey Helmets Using Non-Accelerometer Based Systems

摘要

Head impact research involving accelerometer-based sensors in sports helmets has been well documented over the past decade. Practical methods for using accelerometer arrays present significant power management issues and a requirement for high-resolution data during direct head impact injury. The objective of this study was to investigate a reliable and affordable method for measuring direct head impacts for large-scale populations by using electromechanically activated force switches instead of accelerometers. An embedded microprocessor and software algorithm captured and calculated voltage activation of the force switches between 80-100 KHz. Laboratory studies conducted on a monorail drop tower using a magnesium headform demonstrated the ability to correlate headform acceleration to algorithm-reported acceleration. Impacts were performed on hockey helmets at 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 m/s for an aggregate percent difference of 8.9 % at the front, front boss, side, rear boss, and rear impact locations, respectively. The use of force switch sensors affixed to sports helmets is viable at monitoring direct helmet impacts. The sensors produced reliable reported linear accelerations on a monorail drop tower.