T101: Head Armor Pro

Designing a device to reduce concussion risks for junior football players.

Our Project

About


The objective of the Head Armor Pro project is to improve safety in youth football by addressing critical gaps in helmet technology. Youth football players face a high risk of concussion due to inadequate helmet protection. Current helmets focus on reducing linear forces to prevent skull fractures but fail to address rotational forces, which are the primary cause of concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head Armor Pro fills this gap by developing an advanced helmet insert that effectively mitigates both linear and rotational forces.

The solution replaces conventional helmet foams with a specially designed impact-absorbing material. The insert features a geometrically engineered structure that enhances energy absorption, improving both linear and rotational impact protection. To provide real-time impact monitoring, embedded sensors measure acceleration and rotational velocities, allowing coaches and trainers to respond quickly to potential injuries

Mechanical testing, including various impact and compression experiments, demonstrated that our design reduces linear forces by 57% and rotational forces by 22% compared to standard helmet foams. These results highlight Head Armor Pro’s ability to significantly enhance player protection while remaining lightweight and affordable. By improving impact absorption and monitoring, this design advances youth football safety, supports injury prevention, and encourages widespread adoption through cost-effective manufacturing. Head Armor Pro sets a new benchmark in sports safety, empowering young athletes to play with greater confidence and reduced risk.

Head Armor Pro

Meet Our Engineers

Team


Saiabhinav Devulapalli
Saiabhinav Devulapalli

Biomedical Engineer


Sai Devulapalli is one of the Biomedical Engineers on the project who focused on designing the foam prototype for Head Armor Pro. Sai plans to take a gap year before beginning Medical School

Anghea Dolisca
Anghea Dolisca

Biomedical Engineer


Anghea specializes in biomedical device development and testing.

Connor Hollis
Connor Hollis

Mechanical Engineer


Connor Hollis is one of the Mechanical Engineers on the project who focused more on problem solving and the physical handy work needed to create the models to test the material designs. In the future, Connor is transitioning into real estate and taking over his family’s property management business.

Riley Stroth
Riley Stroth

Mechanical Engineer


Riley is a senior mechanical engineer who focuses on creating electrical sensors, setting up testing mechanisms, and analyzing the data behind them.

Maddie Valachovic
Maddie Valachovic

Biomedical Engineer


Maddie is a biomedical engineer specializing in research and design.

Advisors

Thank you to our Sponsors and Advisors who have supported our project.


Dr. Shane McConomy
Dr. Shane McConomy

Mechanical Engineering Academic Advisor

Dr. Stephen Arce
Dr. Stephen Arce

Biomedical Engineering Academic Advisor

Dr. Emily Thiel
Dr. Emily Thiel

Biomedical Engineering Supervisor

Testing

Impact & Performance Testing


Deliverables

Project Documents


Posters & Presentations

Mechanical Assignments

Biomedical Assignments

Future Work

1
Step 1

Phase 1: Finish Sensor

Bluetooth integrated impact sensor.

2
Step 2

Phase 2: Pendulum Test

Finish pendulum testing and collect data.

3

Phase 3: Fabrication

Sizing components and insert into the helemt.

4
Step 4

Phase 4: Design Day

Presentation and reports ready for design day!