KATO COLLAR
Transformed a rough concept into a mature product aimed at reducing concussions and brachial plexus injuries in sports. Achieved through extensive engineering, testing, and development of a patent-pending use of materials and design technology.
The key function of the Kato Collar is to safely decelerate the player’s helmet upon impact. The initial design concept for the Kato Collar used air filled polymer pillows for the decelerator pads. At Detail drafting Design Inc during the ideation/concept phase, we theorized although the air filled pillows would indeed reduce the initial impact, we felt the pillows would not reduce the secondary and tertiary impact impulses from the player’s bouncing head/helmet. To validate these concerns we designed and produced an impact testing fixture. The testing fixture used a decelerometer to measure initial impact and residual impact pulses. The air filled pillows did indeed reduce the initial impact and residual secondary and tertiary impact impulses. However we believed we could do better. We designed a new Decelerator Pad design that used an open cell structure design and changed the material to an iso-dampening polymer. The new Decelerator Pad was run through the same testing. The impact results were astonishing. Not only was the initial impact reduced by 40 G’s, a 25% reduction. It reduced the secondary impact by 23 G’s, a 82% reduction. The new design completely eliminated the 3rd and 4th impact pulses.
Image illustrates the Kato Collar design with the iso-dampening Decelerator Pads. The Kator Collar fits inside the football shoulder pads.
Image shows the Decelerator Pad impact testing fixture complete with decelerometer.
Image of the new Decelerator Pad open cell structure and iso-dampening polymer.
Upper portion of image shows the air filled pillow Decelerator Pad. The lower portion of the image shows the improved Decelerator Pad design with open Cell Structure and Iso-dampening material.
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At Detail Drafting & Design Inc., we are passionate about helping businesses like yours transform initial concepts into successful, market-ready products. Whether you’re just at the ideation stage or need support in refining your existing designs, our team is ready and eager to help.
With a proven track record in medical devices, consumer goods, electronic enclosures, and much more, we’re confident in our ability to meet your unique product development needs. Leverage our 30 years of experience, state-of-the-art CAD design, and dedication to practical yet innovative solutions.
