Ultra-Low Power Head Impact Monitor for Field Applications in Combat Environments

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from direct impact or indirectly from blast waves represents a significant threat to personnel in combat. There is a significant lack of knowledge linking the actual biomechanics of impact with the injuries sustained in the field. Simbex proposes to apply its knowledge of real-time miniature head acceleration and physiological monitoring gained from developing its Head Impact Telemetry System (commercially available football helmets) to develop nano-power Head Impact Technology (n-HIT), a dynamic in-helmet measurement system for routine wear by soldiers. Key features of n-HIT are: Ultra-low power (nano-amps) with dynamic energy harvesting, measurement of blast wave energy to helmet and to head, and measurement of linear and rotational head acceleration. The n-HIT system developed in this project will allow us to quantify the relationship among biomechanical measures including linear acceleration, rotational acceleration and blast energy, and the severity of TBI sustained in order to optimize soldier protection through improved protective equipment or tactics. The n-HIT system can obtain the required measurements without affecting the soldiers’ performance, requiring additional equipment or adding significant weight to existing equipment. The proposed ultra-low power self-sustaining system will provide power for a minimum of five years without reconditioning or retrofit.