DTS In-Ear Exposure Sensors (IEES) Measure Blunt Impact & Blast Overpressure

As part of an SBIR contract through the Defense Health Agency, DTS is developing in-ear exposure sensors to help protect military personnel. DTS is proud to share the abstract we originally planned to present in-person at the 2021 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS), which was unfortunately canceled this year due to the pandemic.

Detection and measurement of potential injury due to blast overpressure and blunt impact have been priorities of the US military for many years. The DTS groundbreaking 6DOF blast dosimeter is much smaller and more accurate than any other system. Testing has proven that the prototype is able to both recognize and capture blast even at <1psi, a range not often captured by other devices. This dosimeter device is powered by a hearing aid battery and weighs <3g and can be integrated with other protective equipment like helmets, footwear and tactical headsets while remaining unobtrusive to the wearer.

MHSRS is the Department of Defense’s premier scientific meeting that focuses specifically on the unique medical needs of the Warfighter. The annual educational symposium brings together healthcare professionals, researchers, and DoD leaders. The original DTS Abstract was titled Standardization of Blast and Unconventional Exposure Novel Injuries – Developmental Efforts of In-Ear Exposure Sensors.

If you have questions or are interested in learning more, please contact Kyvory Henderson: kyvory.henderson@dtsweb.com.

As a leading manufacturer of data acquisition systems and sensors for injury biomechanics testing, DTS is proud to sponsor National Biomechanics Day on April 7, 2021. It is exciting that National Biomechanics Day has now “Gone International” with universities, laboratories and high schools from around the world participating in what has become a global day of science and inspiration.

Over the last 30 years, DTS test and measurement solutions have been a critical component in a variety of important biomechanics testing, including the development of the U.S. Army WIAMan Blast Manikin (officially known as the Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin). The ‘human response’ of WIAMan is based on extensive biomechanics and cadaveric research done in partnership with top universities throughout the country. Each university focused on key injury areas primarily in the lower extremities like the spine, pelvis and feet to create predictable under-body blast UBB patterns. The data also allowed the team to develop a Finite Element Model, an extenstive software-based injury library, in addition to validated analysis techniques.  

According to the National Biomechanics Day (NBD) event organizers, biomechanics investigates the broad expanse of biology in the physical world and it makes substantial contributions to basic biology, medicine and health, human and animal movement and performance, biomedical engineering, prosthetics and human-machine interactions, among many other endeavors. National Biomechanics Day seeks to expand the influence and impact of Biomechanics on our society. By teaching young people about Biomechanics, one goal is that this will increase the number of people entering Biomechanics and create more career opportunities in Biomechanics. Careers may focus on Biomechanics science, but may also include the practical application of Biomechanics in commercial, medical, industrial, and other settings. As the number of biomechanists increases, so will the impact on society as well as society’s understanding and appreciation of Biomechanics in the hopes of making Biomechanics the “breakthrough science of the 21st century.”

All NBD events and activities involve young people performing isokinetic tests, or EMG tests, or mo-cap tests, or so many other living-science activities. The end result after each and every NBD test is amazement and awe, which supports the NBD motto of “Science meets fun on National Biomechanics Day.”

The latest shipment of five additional WIAMan Blast Test Manikins was delivered to the U.S. Army in December. Just prior to that shipment marked the first time that twelve WIAMan were gathered and operated together as a full-capacity test system. The new WIAMan, plus 2 development and 5 production manikins, were all gathered in DTS’s ATD Lab located in Seal Beach, CA for system validation testing and some ‘family’ photos.

“This was our first chance to test the External Distributor at full capacity. There literally have never been 12 WIAMan in existence, let alone all in one place,” said Tamer Abubakr, ATD Systems Manager at DTS. The test involved connecting all 12 WIAMan to a single Distributor, which manages test communication commands. As anticipated, the test was a success.

DTS’s involvement with the WIAMan project includes building the actual ATD (anthropomorphic test device), as well as the SLICE6 data acquisition system embedded inside and ancillary equipment like the External Distributor. Each WIAMan supports up to 156 sensor (data) channels. “A single exit cable from each ATD gets plugged into the External Distributor to manage communication, status, trigger, IEEE 1588 synchronization, and backup power if needed,” explained Abubakr.

U.S. Army WIAMan Blast Manikins were gathered at the DTS ATD Lab in California for a ‘family’ photo and the first opportunity to test some of the support equipment at full capacity with 12 WIAMan. 

Tamer then went on to explain in general terms how a blast test is set-up. First the miniature data recorders and sensors are embedded inside each WIAMan. The manikins are then positioned in the test vehicle and an exit cable from each ATD is run to the External Distributor. The Distributor sends commands to and from each ATD, and it’s secured in a blast bunker many meters away from the actual blast site. While one External Distributor can ‘talk’ to up to 12 WIAMan at a time, the official Command Center is miles away and manages the complete test set-up and trigger which is transmitted via fiber optic cables to the Distributor and then to each WIAMan.

DTS is prepared to deliver additional WIAMan to the U.S. Army as part of the contract, which includes up to 40 WIAMan in total. An official 700-page WIAMan accreditation report is currently under review by the U.S. Army, which will make WIAMan the first ever accredited ATD for use in under body blast testing.

DTS has been part of the WIAMan development team from the initial concept phase, including being chosen as the prime contractor to the U.S. Army. The Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin represents one of the most advanced collaborations of injury biomechanics research, engineering, manufacturing and testing. “WIAMan is the most hi-tech, biofidelic soldier surrogate in existence. It’s all about the data and each underbody blast (UBB) test provides more data to help keep our warfighters safer,” added Abubakr.

Our mission is the preservation of human life.

The SAFE Association is presenting its 58th Annual Symposium Nov 30 thru Dec 4. Composed of Government, Military, Industrial, and Academic interests, SAFE represents aviation, space, land, and marine safety disciplines for the protection of users worldwide

Don’t miss a presentation by DTS’s own Mike Beckage and Kyvory Henderson titled Advances in Miniature Measurement Solutions on Wed. Dec 2, 2020 at 3:30 PM EST.

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM/AGENDA: Click to view

Previous exhibits, technical sessions, workshops, and product demonstrations have emphasized safety, protective equipment, and life support developments in the disciplines of:

• Occupant Crash Impact Protection — Aircraft & Automotive
• Environmental Hazards
• Flotation, Anti-Exposure, Survival Aids
• Acceleration Physiology and Systems
• Breathing Systems and Respirators
• Head Protection and HMD/S
• Personnel Protective Equipment Systems Design and Integration
• Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism
• Technology Transfer
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological PPE
• Laser, Ballistic Protection
• Testing Methods and Simulations
• Military Aircraft Ejection Escape & Survival
• Biodynamics & Physiology
• Energetics and Escape Path Clearance
• Parachute Recovery Systems
• Communications and Optics
• Accident Investigation
• Crewstations / Cabin Interiors Equipment
• Business & Commercial Aircraft Safety
• Search & Rescue
• Homeland Security

Diversified Technical Systems (DTS) in Seal Beach, California, was named as one of the 2020 Best Places to Work in Orange County. The awards program was created over a decade ago and is a project of the Orange County Business Journal and Best Companies Group. 

“Over the last 30 years, DTS employees have helped develop a culture of teamwork, personal growth, and a positive environment with a family spirit. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of Orange County’s Best Places to Work,” said Rollin White, president of DTS.

DTS was named 21st in the medium-sized company category. The awards program works to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Orange County, California, benefiting the county’s economy, its workforce and businesses. The two-part application process includes evaluating each employer’s workplace policies, practices and demographics, which is worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part is an extensive employee survey which measures the employee experience, and is worth 75% of the score.

This is the first year DTS has applied to the program and is honored to be recognized. “Dedication to our customers, and to each other, is what makes DTS special,” added White.

About DTS: Diversified Technical Systems specializes in manufacturing miniature, rugged data acquisition systems and sensors for product and safety testing in extreme environments. DTS data recorders and sensors are used for testing in a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, injury biomechanics, sports, military and defense. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Seal Beach, California, DTS also has technical centers around the globe.

DTS LIVE WEBINAR – Introducing the DDR: An Even Smaller, Lighter 6DOF Data Logger

The DDR (Dynamic Data Recorder) is the smallest ultra-low power event data logger available. The standalone 6-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) data logger measures up to 5000 sps/channel of linear and angular acceleration.

Topics will include: product development challenges, specifications, test set-up, software, applications and more. Registration is required.

Wed Sept 30  /  8:00am – 8:45am PDT

Join DTS Systems Applications Engineer Kyvory Henderson for a live webinar introducing the DDR miniature 6-degrees-of-freedom data logger. Learn how the DDR can be used for sports & injury biomechanics testing, drones, packaging, parachutes, medical monitoring and more. 

A new Dynamic Kinematic Recorder (DKR) is being developed by Diversified Technical Systems (DTS), as part of a Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research Award to help NASA advance flight crew safety. 

“We worked with NASA to understand the pressures and forces astronauts experience during launch and re-entry phases,” said Mike Beckage, co-founder and CTO of DTS. “Unlike a crash or blast event that literally lasts milliseconds, flight crews experience intense forces over an extended time period.”

The gravitational forces exerted upon an astronaut during launch are roughly 3 times the gravitational pull on Earth. Reentry, which is faster than the speed of sound, creates additional stress and forces on the body. Each DKR will feature six degree of freedom (6DOF) sensing and onboard memory, which means all data will be stored in non-volatile memory. The data gathered with the DKR will be used to develop new protective gear, like restraints and seating.

Collecting field data without altering test dynamics is a challenge, especially when human subjects are involved and in extreme environments such as space. The innovative DKR recorder is rugged enough to withstand intense forces, yet small enough to overcome the size and mass concerns with payload heading into space. 

“For Phase 1 we came up with the concept for a physical device and made iterative improvements meeting NASA’s need. We proved the size, power and performance requirements. For Phase 2 we are working towards a final design and form-factor in anticipation of real-world testing and evaluation. The DKR needs to fit on, or in, a helmet, record for an extended time period, and not interfere with any gear or movements the astronauts need to perform during their mission,” added Mike.

The Small Business Innovation Research program awards funding to U.S. small businesses to support the development of new technology that can be commercialized. DTS has received numerous SBIR awards based on 30 years of experience developing innovative data recorders and sensors used around the world for safety testing in aerospace, military, and automobile industries.

DTS LIVE WEBINAR (2-Part Series) – Principles of Dynamic Data Collection

Learn best practices for making accurate test measurements by better understanding the fundamentals of data acquisition systems and sensors. Join us for a live 2-part webinar series titled Principles of Dynamic Data Collection. DTS has hosted versions of the training around the world to thousands of people – and now we are bringing it to the web.

Thurs April 30  /  8:15am – 9:00am PDT

Part 1 – DAQ Architecture and Sensor Theory

• Data Acquisition Overview
• Sensor Theory, Common Sensors & Limitations
• Making measurements

Wed May 6  /  8:15am – 9:00am PDT

Part 2 – Essential DAQ Knowledge

• Understanding the signal chain
• Filtering and digital sampling
• Dealing with real world challenges
• Checklist for success

DTS has hosted versions of the training around the world to thousands of people – and now we are bringing it to the web. This webinar is designed for all levels of test professionals.

“DTS decided to put our years of experience to work and share our knowledge. There’s no school that teaches this, even though mastering these skills are key to anyone who does test data collection. “ – Steve Pruitt, CEO and Co-Founder of DTS

Registration is required. Limited Seating Still Available.

DTS has just accomplished a significant milestone to advance U.S. warfighter safety. The first five production WIAMan Blast Test Manikins with SLICE6 in-dummy DAS have been manufactured, delivered and accepted by the U.S. Government. Congratulations to the DTS ATD team, Engineering and Operations for making this happen. The next five ATDs on this delivery order are already in progress for the July shipment to the U.S. Government.

The U.S. Army Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin (WIAMan) is a biofidelic, warfighter test dummy engineered to assess potential skeletal injuries of soldiers exposed to underbody blasts (UBB). WIAMan is the first ATD with embedded SLICE6 dummy DAS to measure vertical loads. WIAMan supports up to 156 channels of integrated SLICE6 in-dummy DAS.

DTS is the Prime Contractor to the U.S. Army for the WIAMan project, which is the first anthropomorphic test device (ATD) designed specifically to withstand underbody blasts (like IEDs). The goal of all WIAMAN testing is to advance soldier protection and improve military vehicle designs. For more information visit our WIAMan Blast Manikin ATD Solutions page.

Seal Beach, CA – Diversified Technical Systems (DTS) is developing a miniature Dynamic Impact Recorder (DIR) for the United States Air Force to help improve pilot safety. This new DIR will be used to collect field data on the forces fighter pilots may experience during emergency ejection seat events.

Pilots, when forced to eject, are hit with a gravitational force 14-16 times greater than normal, putting them at serious risk of head and neck injuries, broken bones and spine damage. The data collected from this new technology will be used to develop next generation protective gear including restraints and seating. This innovative data recorder is being developed by DTS as part of a Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Award to help the U.S. Air Force.

“Many of the current generation DTS products owe a debt to the SBIRs we have been awarded over the years. Technology we originally engineered for NASA, the U.S. Army or Air Force has evolved into a variety of COTS products that customers around the world are using for crash, blast and injury biomechanics testing,” said Mike Beckage, co-founder and CTO of DTS.

Collecting field data without altering test dynamics can be challenging, especially when human subjects are involved. Positioning the sensors and data recorder as close as possible to the point of interest, without hindering or restricting typical movement, is the real challenge.

The Dynamic Impact Recorder will collect acceleration, force and angular velocity measurements that a pilot may experience during an emergency ejection. The DIR features a triaxial accelerometer, a triaxial angular rate sensor, and additional pressure and temperate sensors in a tiny rugged enclosure. With no sensor cables to route and its lower power components, the DIR will be so small it can be placed on the pilot and will likely be embedded in the helmet.

The SBIR program works with U.S. small businesses on federal R&D projects that have the potential for commercialization. DTS has received numerous Phase 1 and Phase 2 SBIR awards based on its expertise in test and measurement solutions for automotive crash safety and soldier mild traumatic brain injuries caused by blunt impact and blast overpressure.

The miniature Dynamic Impact Recorder DTS is developing for the U.S. Air Force will measure forces that pilots may experience during an emergency ejection maneuver. The unit (shown as a prototype on the helmet) will collect data used to improve safety gear for USAF pilots.