Browse Topic: Protective equipment
ABSTRACT As U.S. Army leadership continues to invest in novel technological systems to give warfighters a decisive edge for mounted and dismounted operations, the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) and other similar systems are in the spotlight. Continuing to put capable systems that integrate fighting, rehearsing, and training operations into the hands of warfighters will be a key delineator for the future force to achieve and maintain overmatch in an all-domain operational environment populated by near-peer threats. The utility and effectiveness of these new systems will depend on the degree to which the capabilities and limitations of humans are considered in context during development and testing. This manuscript will survey how formal and informal Human Systems Integration planning can positively impact system development and will describe a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) case study
ABSTRACT Application of human figure modeling tools and techniques has proven to be a valuable asset in the effort to examine man-machine interface problems through the evaluation of 3D CAD models of workspace designs. Digital human figure modeling has also become a key tool to help ensure that Human Systems Integration (HSI) requirements are met for US Army weapon systems and platforms. However, challenges still exist to the effective application of human figure modeling especially with regard to military platforms. For example, any accommodation analysis of these systems must not only account for the physical dimensions of the target Soldier population but also the specialized mission clothing and equipment such as body armor, hydration packs, extreme cold weather gear and chemical protective equipment to name just a few. Other design aspects such as seating, blast mitigation components, controls and communication equipment are often unique to military platforms and present special
ABSTRACT A proposed new method of energy absorption in multilayered plates is to implement shear-thickening fluids between the plate layers to act as a damping mechanism. Research into the implementation of shear thickening fluids (STF) in Kevlar body armor has yielded positive results for ballistic loadings. The objective of this integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) study is to accurately model the behavior of shear thickening fluids using the discrete element method (DEM) to better understand shear-thickening mechanisms and how shear thickening fluids behave under high shear rates experienced during impulse loading. These results are implemented in a reduced order model of a multilayered plate to determine the effect of shear thickening fluids on energy absorption capabilities
Road safety remains a critical concern globally, with millions of lives lost annually due to road accidents. In India alone, the year 2021 witnessed over 4,12,432 road accidents resulting in 1,53,972 fatalities and 3,84,448 injuries. The age group most affected by these accidents is 18-45 years, constituting approximately 67% of total deaths. Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and neglect to use safety gear increases the severity of these incidents. This paper presents a novel approach to address these challenges by introducing a driver safety system aimed at promoting good driving etiquette and mitigating distractions and fatigue. Leveraging Raspberry Pi and computer vision techniques, the system monitors driver behavior in real-time, including head position, eye blinks, mouth opening and closing, hand position, and internal audio levels to detect signs of distraction and drowsiness. The system operates in both passive and active modes, providing alerts and alarms to the
More than 80 percent of stroke survivors experience walking difficulty, significantly impacting their daily lives, independence, and overall quality of life. Now, new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst pushes forward the bounds of stroke recovery with a unique robotic hip exoskeleton, designed as a training tool to improve walking function. This invites the possibility of new therapies that are more accessible and easier to translate from practice to daily life compared to current rehabilitation methods
A new method leverages AI and computer simulations to train robotic exoskeletons that can help users save energy while walking, running, and climbing stairs. The novel method rapidly develops exoskeleton controllers to assist locomotion without relying on lengthy human-involved experiments
New research pushes forward the bounds of stroke recovery with a unique robotic hip exoskeleton, designed as a training tool to improve walking function. This invites the possibility of new therapies that are more accessible and easier to translate from practice to daily life compared to current rehabilitation methods
A durable, copper-based coating developed by a team at Dartmouth University can be integrated into fabric to create responsive, reusable materials such as protective equipment, environmental sensors, and smart filters
Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a programmable steering wheel called the Tri-Rotor, which allows an astronaut the ability to easily operate a vehicle on the surface of a planet or Moon despite the limited dexterity of their spacesuit. This technology was originally conceived for the operation of a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) to improve upon previous Apolloera hand controllers. In re-evaluating the kinematics of the spacesuit, such as the rotatable wrist joint and the constant volume shoulder joint, engineers developed an enhanced and programmable hand controller that became the Tri-Rotor
Researchers have designed a lightweight helmet with tiny LEGO-size sensors that scan the brain while a person moves. The helmet is the first of its kind to accurately record magnetic fields generated by brain activity while people are in motion. This advance could make it easier to conduct brain scans in young children and individuals with neurological disorders who can’t always remain still in conventional scanners
Wearing Helmet is a critical safety measure not only for riders but also for passengers. However, people often tend to skip wearing these protective headgears, thereby leading to, increased risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. There is a growing necessity to develop innovative methods that automatically monitor and prevent unsafe driving. To address this issue, we have developed a computer vision-based helmet detection system that can detect if a rider has his helmet on in real-time. We use state-of-the-art computer vision-based techniques for helmet detection. This paper covers various aspects of helmet detection, including image pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The system is evaluated on performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, and recall. Further enhancement of the system is proposed in the potential directions for future research. The results demonstrate that computer vision-based helmet detection systems hold significant potential to
Most people already know and appreciate the capabilities of smart phones, now imagine the possibilities offered by smart spacesuits, uniforms and exercise clothes. The future of wearable technology just got a big boost thanks to a team of University of Houston researchers who designed, developed, and delivered a successful prototype of a fully stretchable fabric-based lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery
During development of military helmets and HMDs, materiel developers need a valid and repeatable test methodology for measuring their mass properties. DEVCOM SC and USAARL reviewed existing mass properties measurement procedures and identified critical items to incorporate into a unified Army methodology. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA U.S. military service members are provided protective head gear for use in training and operational environments. This headgear is typically in the form of a helmet, at a minimum consisting of a rigid outer shell and an individual fitting and retention system, which is an essential personal protective equipment (PPE) item. Many different helmet configurations are used by the U.S. soldier, depending on their military occupational series, the anticipated threat, and the operational environment. Helmet designs have evolved to provide protection beyond fragmentation, to include head protection from blunt head impact
U.S. military service members are provided protective head gear for use in training and operational environments. This headgear is typically in the form of a helmet, at a minimum consisting of a rigid outer shell and an individual fitting and retention system, which is an essential personal protective equipment (PPE) item. Many different helmet configurations are used by the U.S. soldier, depending on their military occupational series, the anticipated threat, and the operational environment
Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuits are both enabling and limiting. Because pressurization results in stiffening of the pressure garment, an astronaut’s motions and mobility are significantly restricted during EVAs. Dexterity, in particular, is severely reduced. Astronauts are commonly on record identifying spacesuit gloves as a top-priority item in their EVA apparel needing significant improvement. Apollo 17 astronaut-geologist Harrison “Jack” Schmitt has singled out hand fatigue and dexterity as the top two problems to address in EVA spacesuit design for future Moon and Mars exploration. The NASA-STD-3000 standards document indeed states: “Space suit gloves degrade tactile proficiency compared to bare hand operations... Attention should be given to the design of manual interfaces to preclude or minimize hand fatigue or physical discomfort
This document establishes the minimum training and qualification requirements for ground-based aircraft deicing/anti-icing methods and procedures. All guidelines referred to herein are applicable only in conjunction with the applicable documents. Due to aerodynamic and other concerns, the application of deicing/anti-icing fluids shall be carried out in compliance with engine and aircraft manufacturers’ recommendations. The scope of training should be adjusted according to local demands. There are a wide variety of winter seasons and differences of the involvement between deicing operators, and therefore the level and length of training should be adjusted accordingly. However, the minimum level of training shall be covered in all cases. As a rule of thumb, the amount of time spent in practical training should equal or exceed the amount of time spent in classroom training
Researchers have demonstrated a new technique for directly printing electronic circuits onto curved and corrugated surfaces. The work paves the way for a variety of new soft electronic technologies, and researchers have used the technique to create prototype smart contact lenses, pressure-sensitive latex gloves, and transparent electrodes
Instead of adding soft materials to a rigid robot body, researchers have taken a soft body and added rigid features to key components. The structures were inspired by insect exoskeletons, which have both soft and rigid parts. The “flexoskeletons” could lead to the creation of a new class of soft, bioinspired robots
NASA is developing the next generation of spacesuits for future missions including the optimization of spacesuit gloves that, when coupled to a pressurized suit, tend to limit the range of motion of an astronaut’s hand to as little as 20 percent. Many of NASA’s future missions will be in challenging environments where hand dexterity of the astronaut will be critical for the success of the missions
This SAE Recommended Practice provides design, test, and performance guidelines on the comfort, fit, and convenience for active restraint systems for heavy trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicle applications over 10000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The information pertains to the forward facing seating positions
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) identifies the minimum requirements for the testing of insulated electrical wiring for on-aircraft, aeronautical and aerospace applications. The testing requirements defined herein, ensure that a wire fault can be found safely when using a high potential voltage tester (hipot). This test is intended to aid in finding a breach in the wire insulation, and not for the identification of the resistance of the insulation. The test method defined herein is limited to equipment which ia able to control and limit the DC output to 1500 VDC maximum. This type of wire dielectric tester is typically designed to trip on current leakage and not necessarily on arc detection. This test method is solely designed to identify gross/large wire insulation damage or degradation. For additional related information on this topic and related test methods, refer to the documents cited in Section 2. They are intended to aid the reader in the direction of this ARP and
This SAE Recommended Practice establishes a uniform test procedure for determining the maximum velocity of a personal watercraft
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) describes the performance of plating’s and coatings for landing gear that potentially provide environmental compliance benefits versus the current baseline processes. The hazardous systems addressed in this version of the document include cadmium plating, chromated primers, and high VOC (volatile organic compounds) topcoats. The AIR applies to landing gear structures and mechanisms for all types of civil and military aircraft. The potential replacements apply to both Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) hardware and overhaul of in-service landing gears
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) provides a comprehensive and consistent set of guidelines for the definition, recognition, troubleshooting, and repair of hydraulic components and systems on in-service aircraft affected by external leakage
This recommended practice establishes the procedures and requirements for cleaning titanium alloy parts prior to adhesive bonding operations
This document describes an inspection procedure for detecting, by use of a radiographic opaque tracer and fluoroscopy or radiography methods, flaws which have been produced as the result of cutting, machining, or drilling operations in composite or laminate structures
This document describes a manufacturing method for processing unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy resin impregnated sheet and tape into multi-ply broadgoods and tape produced on an automated cross-plying machine. Broadgoods or tape of two or more ply configurations may be processed, where ply orientations of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° (as examples) may be automatically layed in a programmed sequence. In all configurations, the 0° ply direction is parallel to the length of the broadgoods roll or sheet, or tape
Elastic polymers, known as elastomers, can be stretched and released repeatedly and are used in applications such as gloves and heart valves, where they need to last a long time without tearing. But elastic polymers can be stiff, or they can be tough, but they can't be both. This stiffness-toughness conflict is a challenge for scientists developing polymers that could be used in applications including tissue regeneration, bioadhesives, bioprinting, wearable electronics, and soft robots
It’s no coincidence that our most complex, versatile, and useful body part, the human hand, is also among the most prone to injury. “The human hand and forearm are a marvel of capability for its size,” said Jonathan Rogers, a mechanical design engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. So, it’s no surprise that one of the biggest obstacles to creating the first robot astronaut to fly in space was building its hands
Exoskeletons, many of which are powered by springs or motors, can cause pain or injury if their joints are not aligned with the user’s. To mitigate these risks, a new measurement method was developed to test whether an exoskeleton and the person wearing it are moving smoothly and in harmony
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) describes and gives general guidelines on use and applicability of the standard method for mixing resins, adhesives, and potting compounds
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