This project is the final-year major project I have been working on at Brunel.
Concussion (a minor traumatic brain injury caused by an impact to the head or upper body) is now the most common injury in rugby. Professionals have medical teams on hand watching every player to diagnose a concussion, however amateur rugby players do not have this luxury - meaning the majority of concussions in amateur rugby go undiagnosed.
Undiagnosed concussions can lead to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and in some cases the fatal second impact syndrome. This project culminated in a new diagnosis experience in amateur rugby; using accelerometers in headwear to measure and record impacts imparted to the head during a rugby match, allowing them to be reviewed following the game for a potentially concussive injury.
Below are some photos of the process and some photos of the developed prototypes:
2D sketching allowed of the aesthetic features of the design - culminating in the 'Aesthetic Prototype'
The 'Looks-like prototype' - This is an aesthetic prototype, which looks like the intended product; but without the functionality.
The Arduino platform was used to read the accelerometers and convert impact readings to g-force.
The 'Works-like prototype' - This is a functional prototype, which works like the intended product; but without the aesthetic features.
Each prototype was tested in realistic game scenarios - The 'works-like' prototpe tested for functionality, and the 'looks-like' tested for comfort.
Accelerometers on the functional prototype
Battery/Components hidden in the rear of the headwear
The full major project report - very long, but read it if you're interested in the full process!
Supported by the Dave Granshaw Foundation.
