6DOF Sensing & Dynamic Impact Recorder for Measurement of Ejection Event Biodynamics

Despite advances in ejection seat design and injury mitigation, crew protection can likely be improved with better characterization of this hazardous environment during actual ejection events. Measurement of head/neck 6DOF motion in this environment has unique challenges. An ultra-low power system requires sensing deep sleep and idle states until a threshold is reached indicating an actual ejection event. Since ejection accelerations can have similar magnitude and duration as normal ACM (air combat maneuvering), discrimination between these two event types can be difficult. During its Phase I work, DTS demonstrated the ability to trigger from a sound pressure threshold, which the USAF believes to be uniquely excessive during and eject event, as compared to other operational environments. Excessive sound pressure, followed by high Z axis acceleration, should provide a reliable methodology to start capture of high speed 6DOF data. Unique to this proposal is a technical breakthrough in angular sensing technology. DTS proposes to deliver a revolutionary prototype 6DOF Dynamic Impact Recorder (DIR) that will have greater than 10-fold reduction in size and mass compared to existing systems. This autonomous system would be small, ultra-low power and weigh less than 20 grams.