Sensor system to accurately measure head dynamics and kinematics
Unmet Need
It is estimated that over 1.2 million individuals working in the United States have vibration syndrome due to long-term exposure to tools or machinery. This can lead to blood vessel and nerve damage, chronic pain, and joint damage. Current methods to measure and assess impact and vibration exposure do not accurately measure head impact acceleration, dynamics, and kinematics. Sensors are attached to a helmet or placed in the mouth, which move frequently, causing additional data readings and introducing errors. Some systems place the sensor on the outer ear, but readings are still inaccurate. Thus, there is a need for a head dynamics and kinematics system with a small sensor that is directly attached to the skull to obtain more accurate data and provide true readings of head dynamics and kinematics.
Technology
Duke inventors have developed a novel system to measure head acceleration, dynamics, and kinematics. This is intended to be worn in occupational, military, and diagnostic settings to measure and track noise and vibration exposure as well as head acceleration and movement. Specifically, the system is composed of a data storage unit and power supply and one or more sensors. The sensor is placed in or tightly coupled to the bony part of the external auditory canal (EAC) and can measure head vibrations above 50 Hz. The sensor type can vary depending on application and can be accelerometers and angular rate sensors. A small wire connects the sensor to the micro electric data storage unit and power supply, which is attached to the outer ear. Additionally, the system can be tailored to the users’ needs. The system can leave an opening to allow the user to hear or provide hearing protection by blocking the entire ear canal. A sensor may also be placed in one or both ears. A prototype has been developed.
Applications
- Assessing impact in sports and occupational settings such as football, hockey, soccer, water polo, and automobile racing
- Assessing vibration exposure in individuals exposed to vibrating machinery or heavy equipment
- Measuring and tracking noise exposure in occupational or military settings such as blast exposure
- Diagnosing seizure disorders, Parkinson’s Disease, and other related conditions with head movements such as temporomandibular joint disorders and sleep apnea
- Measuring treatment efficacy of movement disorders
Advantages
- Sensor that is tightly coupled to the bony part of the EAC
- More accurate head dynamic and kinematic data
- Less variability in head dynamic and kinematic data
- Low mass sensor to reduce the mass effect on data