Description:
Reference #: 01212
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for a non-Newtonian material for the prevention of mild traumatic brain injury.
Background:
Head impacts and concussions caused by contact sports are a growing source of concern around the United States as concussions are a major health problem in both youth and professional sports. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the number of reported concussions has doubled in the last 10 years. In 39% of the cases, cumulative concussions eventually lead to permanent neurologic disability. This problem is not restricted to professional sports, as the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that emergency room visits for concussions in children (8 to 13 years) doubled within the last decade.
Invention Description:
The subject invention is a new football helmet that includes impact activated non-Newtonian force bearing elements designed to transfer the helmet's impact force to the shoulder pads, thereby protecting the athlete from traumatic brain injury (concussions). The technical design will allow the same level of movement while providing increased protection at the moment of impact.
Potential Applications:
Modern helmets do a good job of preventing skull fractures from to high energy collisions; however, research indicates these devices do not protect against the brain striking the inside of the skull, which causes traumatic brain injuries (concussions). This invention uses force bearing members containing non-Newtonian fluids to link the helmet to the shoulder pads as a strategy to decrease the force from collision so that the brain does not sustain injury.
Non-Newtonian force impact load directing elements have potential applications where increased safety and damage mitigation are desired due to unwanted impact forces.
Advantages and Benefits:
Promotes safety and lowers risk. Lower medical expenses, increase productivity with less susceptibility to dementia.