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Automatic Body Protection for Paratrooper Landings

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Army 		Award ID:
74065 		Program Year/Program:
2005 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
A052-194-0663 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Tiax LLC
15 Acorn Park Cambridge, MA 02140
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2005
Title: Automatic Body Protection for Paratrooper Landings
Agency / Branch: DOD / ARMY
Contract: W911QY-06-C-0015
Award Amount: $69,983.00
 

Abstract:

Literature indicates that ankle and lower limb injuries present the greatest opportunity for reduction, given their high frequency of occurrence. Many solutions to reduce ankle injuries have been attempted - ankle braces to support the ankle during landing, cushioning devices to help absorb some of the impact force upon landing, and riser adjustments to reduce ground impact speed. However, these devices have limitations in practical use. Typical challenges associated with ankle protection include comfort, weight, bulk, ease of don/doff, secondary injury, and mobility. The restriction offered by braces becomes problematic after landings when the paratrooper needs to regain normal range of motion for running and walking. Sole cushions, if designed poorly, can cause inversion injuries by rolling the ankle. Our solution to achieve protection combines a sole cushion and ankle brace into one while allowing more normal extension and movement of the foot and ankle. By developing a system that provides the stability of an ankle brace, without the negative effects of bulk, weight, and reduced mobility, we can increase elective use in combat. Paratroopers will be more likely to wear a protective device if it doesn't affect their fightability once they have landed.

Principal Investigator:

John Stokes
Human Factors Engineer
6174986364
stokes.john@tiaxllc.com

Business Contact:

Renee Wong
Contracting Officer
6174985655
wong.renee@tiaxllc.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

TIAX LLC
15 Acorn Park Cambridge, MA 02140

EIN/Tax ID: 460478749
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No