Gannon University People Soar High With Patented Football Helmet Technology And More
Ever wonder what kind of technology goes into a product such as a football helmet?
Robert Michael, Ph.D., P.E. an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Gannon University, and his engineering students are utilizing exciting technology to take a safer approach to America’s favorite sport.
With a background in polymer technology and 20 years of industry experience, Michael and his students have created various products that seek to solve a problem, and more specifically, increase human safety.
By using polymers for noise, vibration and harshness applications, products like the shock absorption football helmet work to reduce rotational acceleration and the severity of head-to-head contact. Just one of his many patented products, the helmet’s technology isn’t limited only to football helmets, but can be applied anywhere there’s potential for head-to-head contact.
The football helmet consists of two patents. The first patent covers the face mask, which was designed with nylon plastic shock mounts. As the mask takes an impact, these shock mounts deflect and absorb energy, limiting damage. The second patent covers the helmet itself; urethane isolator panels attached to the outer layer of the helmet reduce rotational acceleration, the cause of most head and neck injuries. By allowing the outer surface to move relative to the inner surface, the athlete’s head can remain stationary and protected as the outer surface absorbs the energy from the contact. This work was done in collaboration with Corry Rubber Corporation and AES R&D, LLC.
Another recent patent of Michael’s, a high speed flangeway filler, allows pedestrians and bicyclists to cross train tracks with ease and a smoother, safer ride without impacting the train’s operations. Made of a highly abrasion-resistant urethane bonded directly to foam urethane, this product fills the gap between a rail and the pavement. As pedestrians and bicyclists cross, it remains firm but has the flexibility to accommodate the extreme weight of a train. Michael is currently working with the Department of Transportation in Pittsburgh to evaluate the product on real railroad tracks.
Michael displayed an array of patented products and parts that have all involved Gannon University students and represented many years of research and intellectual property.?He discussed the importance of the patent process and benefits for engineers to hold this distinction for the products they conceptualize and create. His industry experience has contributed to navigating this process from legal steps, to sales and distribution of his patented products working with national companies like Costco, Ridg-U-Rak and more.
Michael says these products are exciting for engineers.
“You can apply your education, design a product and at the same time you’re helping people. It’s a win-win situation,” he said.