110: Reduction of Adolescent Concussion Risk (Multidisciplinary Team)

The five members of engineering senior design team 110 stand together on the third floor breezeway at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

We developed Head Armor Pro to address concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in youth football, where current helmet designs inadequately protect against combined linear and rotational forces. We created an innovative helmet accessory that integrates auxetic foam padding and real-time impact monitoring sensors to significantly enhance player safety. Auxetic foam, with its unique energy-dissipation properties, reduces linear and rotational forces, addressing critical gaps in existing helmet technologies. We incorporated advanced material testing, regulatory compliance strategies and cost-effective production methods to ensure youth leagues could access and scale our solution. Preliminary testing confirmed our design effectively mitigated head impact forces, reducing concussion risk and supporting safer participation in high-impact sports. We aimed to set a new standard in youth sports safety and concussion prevention through the continued development of the Head Armor Pro.

Sai Devulapalli (BME), Maddy Valachovic (BME), Anghea Dolisca (BME), Connor Hollis (ME), Riley Stroth (ME)

Stephen Hugo Arce, Ph.D., Shayne McConomy, Ph.D.

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Spring