Employing Woodpecker Cranial Adaptations in a Novel Helmet Design for Increased Impact Protection

Overview

Helmets are designed to protect against severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI can be prevented through impact force dissipation over a larger surface area, cranial deceleration over a lengthened period, and energy absorption through compression. Evolutionary implementation of these protective measures is seen in woodpeckers. Their beak, hyoid bone and tongue, and cranial bone structures work together and apply these processes to stop them from suffering TBI. These structures were used as the basis for th e novel helmet concept which was then developed into a helmet prototype and tested against a consumer -grade helmet. It was hypothesized that the novel helmet would better protect the analog head from drop test impact forces than the conventional helmet wou ld. Experimentation and subsequent data analysis supported the hypothesis, as the helmets were able to withstand and distribute a total of approximately 82 joules and 69 joules respectively, while still protecting the analog head. To further look into the applications of this helmet, a cost analysis was performed. It revealed that the novel helmet is estimated to be $2.45 cheaper for consumers than the consumer-grade helmet that it was tested against. Overall, this new type of design has a large variety of potential applications; these include incorporation into protective wear (helmets, body armor, shields, etc.), shock absorbing systems in vehicles and other types of machinery (cushions, dampers, bumpers, vehicle armor, etc.), and various other impact protection apparatuses.