This table shows the key design features, each tailored to enhance performance, safety, and usability. The test rig design will be focused on performing oblique impact tests for industrial helmets.
| No. | Key features | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lifting mechanism | Utilizes a high-end servo motor with a lead screw for lifting the headform. Includes an internal brake for emergency stops and to maintain position when stationary or powered off. |
| 2 | Bespoke control unit | A custom-designed control unit controls the motor, measures impact velocity, releases the helmet platform, and triggers data acquisition and the high-speed video camera. This system’s durability has been proven at Imperial College’s HEAD Lab.1 |
| 3 | Free standing test rig | The rig’s base consists of a steel plate, secured to a concrete floor with anchor bolts. The height is approximately 3.5m, adaptable based on client’s lab specifications. |
| 4 | Pneumatic gripper | A pneumatic gripper secures the headform in a basket and releases it just before impact, ensuring headform stability and safety. |
| 5 | Catching mechanism | After impact, the headform is caught in a containment box, designed to minimize rebound and ensure the integrity of the test setup. |
| 6 | Anvils | The test rig comes equipped with both oblique (available in various angles) and flat anvils, providing flexibility in testing different impact scenarios |
- The operation of the test rig is streamlined through a sophisticated control unit, which features an intuitive interface with physical buttons and a comprehensive display that provides all necessary information to the operator. This user-friendly setup simplifies the process of conducting impact tests, making it straightforward and efficient. The control unit is designed to guide the operator through each step of the testing procedure, from setup to execution. Clear prompts on the display ensure that all adjustments and inputs are easily managed, facilitating a smooth and error-free testing process.
For data analysis, the rig utilizes a Python-based software platform tailored for post-processing needs. This software is engineered to handle complex data sets efficiently, allowing operators to input key testing parameters with ease. The interface lets the user select essential variables such as the filtering method and frequency, which are critical for refining the data to meet specific testing standards. Once the initial data processing is complete, the software automatically calculates a set of head and brain injury metrics, including the Brain Injury Criteria (BrIC) value. ↩︎