Devices, systems and methods for detecting and evaluating impact events

Abstract

An impact detection device for detecting impacts to a body part of a user and various supporting systems are discussed. In an example, an impact detect device can include a circuit board, a component having a first section and a second section, a battery, and a molding for housing the circuit boat, the battery and the component. The circuit board can include impact detection circuitry including at least two sensors and a communication circuit. A zone of reduced rigidity can connect the first and second sections of the component, with the circuit board secured to the first section. The battery can be secured to the second section of the component allowing for flex relative to the circuit board. The molding can be shaped and dimensioned for mounting to a body part of the user.

1 . An impact detection device for detecting impact to a body part of a user, the device comprising:
 a circuit board including impact detection circuitry comprising:
 at least two sensors, the at least two sensors comprising a first accelerometer and at least one of a gyroscope and a second accelerometer; 
 a communication circuit to transmit data captured by the at least two sensors to a mobile device; and 
 an integrated male USB connector comprising an extended portion of the circuit board with a plurality of connector pins disposed within a surface of the extended portion of the circuit board; 
   a component having a first section and a second section connected by a flex zone, a portion of the circuit board excluding the integrated male USB connector secured to the first section, wherein the component includes a length, a width, and a thickness, where the length and the width are substantially greater than the thickness to create a major surface to abut an external body part and the flex zone extends along the width to allow bending of the major surface at least between the first second and the second section, and wherein the flex zone allows for deflection of the second section with respect to the first section;   a battery mounted to the second section to allow the battery to flex relative to the circuit board; and   a molding for housing the circuit board, the battery and the component, wherein the housing is shaped and dimensioned for mounting to the body part of the user.   
     
     
         2 . The impact detection device of  claim 1 , wherein the component, the circuit board, and the battery form a unified and continuous unit including at least one contiguous surface. 
     
     
         3 . The impact detection device of  claim 2 , wherein the formable battery is at least partially encapsulated by the component; and
 wherein the component is a molded polymer material.   
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The impact detection device of  claim 1 , wherein the molding consists of a malleable semi-translucent material providing environmental protection. 
     
     
         6 . The impact detection device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two sensors collect linear acceleration and rotational velocity data. 
     
     
         7 . The impact detection device of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit board further includes a magnetometer. 
     
     
         8 . The impact detection device of  claim 1 , wherein the component includes a locating feature for a button actuator. 
     
     
         9 . The impact detection device of  claim 8 , wherein the button actuator is adapted to engage a push button on the circuit board. 
     
     
         10 . The impact detection device of  claim 1 , wherein the battery is bendable and retains a bent shape. 
     
     
         11 . The impact detection device of  claim 1 , wherein the formable battery conforms to a curvature induced by location of use. 
     
     
         12 . The impact detection device of  claim 1 , wherein the second section of the component is formed with an initial angle with respect to the circuit board. 
     
     
         13 . The impact detection device of  claim 12 , wherein the second section is flexible in angular orientation with respect to the circuit board from the initial angle to approximately a positive 10 degrees and a negative 20 degrees. 
     
     
         14 . An impact detection device for detecting impact to a body part of a user, the device comprising:
 a circuit board including impact detection circuitry comprising:
 at least two sensors, the at least two sensors comprising a first accelerometer and at least one of a gyroscope and a second accelerometer; and 
 a communication circuit to transmit data captured by the at least two sensors to an external computing device; and 
 an integrated male USB connector comprising an extended portion of the circuit board with a plurality of connector pins disposed within a surface of the extended portion of the circuit board; 
   a first molding having a first section and a second section connected by a flex zone, the first section at least partially encapsulating the circuit board, wherein the first molding includes a length, a width, and a thickness, where the length and the width are substantially greater than the thickness to create a major surface to abut an external body part and the flex zone extends along the width to allow bending of the major surface at least between the first second and the second section, and wherein the flex zone allows for deflection of the second section with respect to the first section;   a battery at least partially encapsulated by the second section to allow the battery to flex relative to the circuit board; and   a second molding for at least partially encapsulating the circuit board, the battery and the first molding, wherein the second molding is shaped and dimensioned for mounting to the body part of the user.   
     
     
         15 . The impact detection device of  claim 14 , wherein the communication circuit includes a wireless transmission circuit to wirelessly transmit sensor data to an external computing device. 
     
     
         16 . The impact detection device of  claim 14 , wherein the circuit board includes an integral USB connector. 
     
     
         17 . The impact detection device of  claim 16 , wherein the communication circuit includes USB circuitry to enable wired communications with an external computing device via the integral USB connector. 
     
     
         18 . An impact detection device for detecting impact to a body part of a user, the device comprising:
 a circuit board including impact detection circuitry comprising:
 at least two sensors configured to collect at least linear acceleration and rotational velocity data related to an impact event; and 
 a communication circuit to transmit data captured by the at least two sensors to an external computing device; and 
 an integrated male USB connector comprising an extended portion of the circuit board with a plurality of connector pins disposed within a surface of the extended portion of the circuit board; 
   a component having a first section and a second section connected by a flex zone, the first section at least partially encapsulating the circuit board, wherein the component includes a length, a width, and a thickness, where the length and the width are substantially greater than the thickness to create a major surface to abut an external body part and the flex zone extends along the width to allow bending of the major surface at least between the first section and the second section, and wherein the flex zone allows for deflection of the second section with respect to the first section;   a battery secured to the second section to allow the battery to flex relative to the circuit board; and   a molding for housing the circuit board, the battery and the component, wherein the housing is shaped and dimensioned for mounting to the body part of the user.   
     
     
         19 . The impact detection device of  claim 18 , wherein the at least two sensors include an accelerometer and a gyroscope. 
     
     
         20 . The impact detection device of  claim 18 , wherein the at least two sensors include two accelerometers mounted to the circuit board with some spatial separation.