Under Phase II SBIR and internal IRAD funding, TRI/Austin developed a lightweight, low cost, energy dissipating material called ProtecktTM, Applied to hard vehicle interior surfaces, ProtecktTM substantially mitigates the risk of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) in the event of vehicle rollover accidents or IED blast events, when soldier’s heads can impact the vehicle interior. ProtecktTM is a novel hybrid material combining energy absorbing omnidirectional substrates with a highly durable and elastic polyurea surface layer, which can be used in new or legacy tactical vehicles to prevent head injuries that can occur even in vehicles that utilize 5 point seat belts.Enhances Military Capability: Proteckt is effective at ¾ inch thickness and is computer designed and CNC shaped to maintain maximum occupant mobility, maneuverability, and freedom of movement.
Value to the Warfighter:
• Reduction or elimination of occupant injuries caused by high-energy impact to the head and upper and lower extremities during vehicle collisions, rollovers and IED explosions.
• Proteckt is effective at ¾ inch thickness and can be computer designed and CNC shaped to not hinder occupant mobility, maneuverability, and freedom of movement.
• Light weight reducing vehicle weight burdens and absorbs more energy than competitive products.
• Cleanable: blood and body fluids easily removed from the surface.
• Durable and tolerates multiple high-energy impacts.
During collisions or explosions, Proteckt’s innovative construction reduces occupant impacts to levels below injury thresholds.
Percentage Likelihood of Brain Injury based on FMVSS 201 15 mph test at 15 degree down angle performed at MGA Research Troy Michigan left). ProtecktTM energy absorbing appliqués applied to A1P2 FMTV B-pillars, doors and turret (right). An energy dissipating substrate combined with a highly elastic polyurea coating provides cushioning that prevents Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) in the event of head impact during vehicle rollover accidents or IED blast events.
Side impact event at 30 mph was used to verify the effectiveness of ProtecktTM applied to the A1P2 FMTV B-pillar. ProtecktTM passed the 30 mph FMVSS 208 specification with a head injury criterion (HIC) value of 684 at 36 ms. MGA Research Troy Michigan.
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FMVSS 201 testing with ACH helmet