Method and apparatus for simulating head impacts for helmet testing

摘要

An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frame, an impact delivery unit for delivering an impact force and at least one head form. The head form is adapted to be mounted to the frame such that the impact delivery unit can deliver an impact force to a designated location on the head form. The head form is configured to have a helmet installed thereon. The head form is selectively rotatable about each of a plurality of different axes of rotation, wherein movement of the head form is constrained to be able to move only in rotation and in rotation about only one axis of rotation of the plurality of axes at any time. A measuring system provides an indicator of the rotational acceleration of the head form when rotated about each of the plurality of axes. Also disclosed are methods for comparing the degree of protection afforded by first and second helmets.

主权项

1. A method for testing a helmet, said method comprising:
i. selecting a head form adapted and constrained to rotate about a first axis of rotation of a plurality of axes of rotation; ii. impacting the head form at a first designated location with a force actuator operable to exert a constant force against said head form to thereby cause said selected head form to rotate about said one axis of rotation; iii. measuring an indicator of rotational acceleration in relation to said first axis of said head form; iv. determining a baseline rotational acceleration in relation to said first axis of said head form; v. installing a helmet on said head form; vi. impacting the helmet installed on said head form at said first designated location with a force actuator operable to exert said constant force against said head form to thereby cause said selected head form to rotate about said one axis of rotation; vii. measuring an indicator of rotational acceleration in relation to said first axis of said head form; viii. determining a rotational acceleration of said selected head form when said helmet is installed on said head form; and ix. determining a degree of protection against rotational acceleration in relation to said first axis afforded by the helmet for said impact point; x. selecting a head form adapted and constrained to rotate about a second axis of rotation of a plurality of axes of rotation; xi. impacting the head form at a second designated location with a force actuator operable to exert a constant force against said head form to thereby cause said selected head form to rotate about said second axis of rotation; xii. measuring an indicator of rotational acceleration of said head form; xiii. determining a baseline rotational acceleration in relation to said second axis of said head form; xiv. installing said helmet on said head form; xv. impacting the helmet installed on said head form at said second designated location with a force actuator operable to exert said constant force against said head form to thereby cause said selected head form to rotate about said one axis of rotation; xvi. measuring an indictor of rotational acceleration in relation to said second axis of said head form; xvii. determining a rotational acceleration in relation to said second axis of said selected head form when said helmet is installed on said head form; and xviii. determining a degree of protection against rotational acceleration in relation to said second axis afforded by the helmet for said impact point.