Shape Memory Foam Impact Attenuator

My name is Sean Davis and I am 22 years old, born July 16 1990.  The proposed project is a continuation from theoretical work I did during my undergraduate studies.  The idea was to add a crumple zone to a football helmet, decreasing the peak impact force experienced by the athlete.  The research had very promising results however I graduated bringing my progress to a halt.  The next stage of the project would be to create a proof of concept.  As this project lacks the backing of a university or a private company, I will be unable to continue the work until I find a funding source.

The issue of concussion in football is a very serious one, over 300,000 kids are hospitalized with concussion every year.  If I were awarded the prize money I would hope to create a fully functioning prototype that could hopefully be a start down the road to increasing the safety of all football players.  The same approach could easily be expanded beyond football helmets to hockey helmets, motorcycle helmets and even to consumer goods such as protective cases for computers or phones.