Description

CHIMERA (Closed Head Impact Model of Engineered Rotational Acceleration) is an instrument used for researching head impacts and trauma.  Electronics were designed to reliably measure impact speeds, control solenoids, and monitor/control pressure.  The design included mechanical integration of electronics with the existing system, along with other mechanical additions and improvements..

Features

• Quick development and prototyping with Arduino
• Custom electronics and firmware
• Custom control box and assembly drawings/instructions
• Time of flight speed measurement, digital pressure regulation, solenoid controls, USB serial communication

Unique Notes

Initially, this was meant to be a one-off device.  For this reason, an Arduino was chosen as a quick method for development.  The first prototype had no custom PCB and all necessary electronics were wired in-line in the control box.  However, the device has found huge success and labs around the world are now asking for the CHIMERA.  Therefore, to improve assembly and manufacturing, a custom shield was designed for the Arduino in order to eliminate in-line connections.  As order volumes were still relatively low, the choice was made to keep the Arduino.  This meant minimal extra work and allows simple transition from the contractor to the customer in case the customer needs to do development on their own in the future.