Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an impact absorption and detection system, including: one or more deflectable arch springs, having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; and one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base. Some embodiments may include: a plurality of arch spring assemblies, including: a deflectable arch spring having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base; at least one sensor attached to the arch spring assembly; wherein the plurality of arch spring assemblies is configured in a chainmail arrangement and a base of one arch spring assembly is connected with a base of another arch spring assembly; a processor electrically connected to the sensors attached to the plurality of arch spring assemblies; and a data store in communication with the processor.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/817,042, filed on Apr. 29, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Impact deflection and absorption are an on-going problem in our daily lives. From body armor for police and military personnel to impact sports and the average consumer driving their car, impact forces are an ever-present danger. Various materials and devices have been developed to provide limited protection against impacts with widely diverse results. Protection from these impacts, however, is only half the story. Detection of a single impact or multiple impacts is just as important. Being able to collect the impact data in real-time is critical in determining the severity of damage so that an action can be initiated to remedy the situation. The most prominent news in recent times has been the ever increasing awareness of head injuries in sports. 
         [0003]    Concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is the most common type of traumatic brain injury and one of the most common impact-related injuries that go undetected. Frequently defined as a head injury with a temporary loss of brain function, concussions can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Sports-related concussions have increased over the years and this may be related to the increased physical stature of athletes and the intensity of contact sports over time. Military personnel also face increased concussive forces during times of war and/or conflicts due to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and the firing of large-round weaponry, such as rockets, artillery shells and so forth. Our elderly population, along with people needing long-term assistive care, also runs the risk of impact injuries due to falls. 
         [0004]    It is desirable to record impacts, as well as their exact location in real-time. It is also desirable to actively respond and dissipate impact forces. Such aspects may be included in various products, from body armor and sports equipment to flooring and automotive components. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include an impact absorption and detection system, comprising: one or more deflectable arch springs, having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; and one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base. 
         [0006]    Other aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include: an impact absorption and detection system, comprising: a plurality of arch spring assemblies, comprising: a deflectable arch spring having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base; at least one sensor attached to the arch spring assembly; wherein the plurality of arch spring assemblies is configured in a chainmail arrangement, wherein a base of one arch spring assembly is connected with a base of another arch spring assembly; a processor, the processor electrically connected to the sensors attached to the plurality of arch spring assemblies; and a data store, in communication with the processor. 
         [0007]    Other aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include an impact absorption and detection system disposed in a piece of body armor, comprising: a plurality of arch spring assemblies, comprising: a deflectable arch spring having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base; at least one sensor attached to the base; wherein the plurality of arch spring assemblies is configured in a chainmail arrangement, wherein a base of one arch spring assembly is connected with a base of another arch spring assembly; a processor, the processor electrically connected to the sensors attached to the plurality of arch spring assemblies and configured to receive inputs from the one or more sensors indicating when an impact force has been received and determine, based on such inputs, the amount, location, and direction of force received; and a data store, in communication with the processor. 
         [0008]    These and other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements. The accompanying figures depict certain illustrative embodiments and may aid in understanding the following detailed description. Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments depicted are to be understood as exemplary and in no way limiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The detailed description will make reference to the following figures, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1A  shows an isometric view of an exemplary arch-spring device with foot pedestals in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a bottom isometric view of an exemplary arch-spring device with foot pedestals in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1C  depicts a side view of an exemplary arch-spring device with foot pedestals, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  shows an isometric view of a plurality of arch-spring devices in an exemplary chain-link configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  shows an isometric view of a plurality of arch-spring devices in an exemplary chain-link configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  shows a side view of an exemplary swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A  depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view of a swept spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4B  depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view of a swept spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary foot pedestal in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A  depicts an isometric view of an exemplary assembled swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6B  shows a side view of an exemplary fully assembled swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7A  shows an isometric view of an exemplary multi-notched foot pedestal, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7B  depicts a top view of an exemplary multi-notched foot pedestal, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8A  shows an isometric view of an exemplary multi-notched foot pedestal and single swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8B  depicts a side view of an exemplary multi-notched foot pedestal and swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9A  illustrates an isometric view of a plurality of exemplary multi-notched foot pedestals in a crossed-mesh configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9B  illustrates an isometric bottom view of a plurality of exemplary multi-notched foot pedestals in a crossed-mesh configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10A  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary three pronged swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10B  depicts a side front view of an exemplary three pronged swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  depicts an isometric view of an exemplary four pronged swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  shows an isometric view of an exemplary six pronged swept-spring, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary arch-spring with sensors, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14A  depicts an isometric view of an exemplary pedestal with sensors attached, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14B  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary arch spring and pedestal assembly with sensors attached, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  shows an isometric view of an exemplary pedestal equipped with a sensor, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  illustrates an exemplary system of recording impact force, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  illustrates an exemplary system of recording impact force, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  depicts an exemplary system of recording and actively responding to impact force, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  illustrates an exemplary system of recording an impact at one subsystem and actively responding to multiple subsystems, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  illustrates an exemplary system of body armor, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 21A-B  depicts an exemplary helmet, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  illustrates an exemplary flooring configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0043]    Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0044]    The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying figures. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Moreover, as used herein, the singular may be interpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. 
         [0045]    In general, the present invention may provide systems and methods for the detection, collection, and an analysis of impact forces while dissipating these forces using passive and/or active methods. The system may be comprised of one or more spring elements, as well sensors and software configured as a modular system to absorb and deflect kinetic energy from an external impact force. 
         [0046]    In general, systems in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may be broken into two types: arch springs and swept springs. Each will be discussed in turn. 
         [0047]    Arch Springs 
         [0048]    An arch spring may be a purely passive deflection and/or absorption device that may include sensor detection capabilities. An arch spring, as shown in  1 A- 1 C may comprise an arch tapered towards pedestals, to allow for flexibility in the center of the arch. With reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C  an arch  10  may comprise a center portion  11  connected at both proximate and distal ends to a pedestal  12 . Note that while  FIGS. 1A-1C  depicts the pedestal as being circular in nature, it is contemplated that the pedestal may take any shape conducive to the design application. 
         [0049]    The pedestals  12  may be designed to provide a large surface area, so that various sensors and electrodes may be mounted thereon. For example, electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, and/or other physiological or environmental sensors may be placed thereon. The pedestals  12  may also provide a surface area such that one arch spring may be connected to a second arch spring as will be discussed below with regards to  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 1C  it can be seen that an impact forces intended to be applied to the top of the arch  11 . Such impact force may cause the pedestals  12  to move laterally away from the arch. In this manner, the impact force may be dissipated through the movement of the pedestals. 
         [0051]    The arch spring  10  may be formed from any number of materials. It is contemplated that in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention the arch and pedestals may be integrally formed. For example, the arch and pedestals may be formed through injection molding. Simple materials may include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET) or co-polymers thereof, polypropylene or polypropylene copolymerized with ethylene, or polypropylene mixed with ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), nylon composites with carbon fiber, graphene, carbon nanotubes and other 2-D materials. 
         [0052]    The specific size and dimensions of the arch spring may vary, depending upon the application and the amount of force expected to be exerted thereon. The specific dimensions and specific material may determine how much the arch may deflect under certain forces. For example, if the base of the arch is 9.5 mm wide, the center arch may be 4.76 mm wide and the overall arch length may be 41.275 mm. In such an embodiment, the diameter of the foot pedestal may be 12.7 mm, and the overall thickness for the entire device may be 1.587 mm such arrangements may allow for example the arch to be deformed by approximately 30% during impact. Again, note that such dimensions are exemplary only in the specific sizes of the arch may vary depending upon the materials and application. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIGS. 2A-2B , it can be seen that a plurality of arch springs may be assembled into a chain mail and/or chain link configuration. Such configurations may allow the system to be placed in a flat plane, such as a flooring system, door panel, or palace system. Alternatively, the same configuration may allow the system to be wrapped around an object such as body armor, and/or embedded between fabric layers of a compression suit. 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIG. 2A , chain mail  20  can be seen to comprise a plurality of arch springs. Arch Springs may include the arch  22  and pedestal base  21 . Pedestal base  21  of one arch spring may be connected to pedestal base  21  of a second arch spring, and so on. Depending upon the specific application the arch spring chain mail may be configured in a tight pattern or wheeze, or may be spread apart. Note that in this embodiment the arch springs in a top layer may float over arch springs and a bottom layer in order to allow for some movement. This may allow for the device to wrap around an object without deforming the individual arch that is formed from the chain mail. This may be useful in applications such as a helmet liner, body armor, and or other non-planar application. 
         [0055]    When the arch springs are configured in a chain mail and/or chain link configuration, it may be necessary to embed any sensors directly into the embodiment. For example a template mold may contain sensors and/or electrical parts along with all required wiring material for fabrication, for example ABS plastic, may be molded around the parts to complete a finished product. In such a manner, an entire configuration may be molded as one piece, thereby simplifying production and reducing costs. 
         [0056]    When an impact force is received, longitudinal waves may be propagated across the surface area of the springs and the assembly. Mechanical longitudinal waves are also called compressional waves or compression waves, because they produce compression and rarefaction when traveling through a medium. In an elastic medium with rigidity, a harmonic pressure wave oscillation has the form, where y(x,t)=y 0  cos (kx−ωt+φ), where y is the amplitude of displacement, x is the distance along the axis of propagation, t is time, k is the wave number, and ω is the angular frequency, and φ is the phase difference. The restoring force, which acts to return the springs to original position is provided by the springs resistance to compression (i.e., its bulk modulus). Accordingly, the springs and assemblies may be configured to deflect or dissipate certain impact forces based upon the design of the springs (e.g., the material of manufacture, the number of springs in a specified area, etc.). 
         [0057]    Swept Spring 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a swept with the two substantially flat proximate and distal ends  32 . Arch  31  may also comprise a flat center section  33 . Similar to the arch spring discussed above, the slips spring may absorb the impact force at the top of the arch, causing the proximate and distal ends of the arch to move laterally. 
         [0059]    As will be discussed in greater detail below, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention slept spring devices may be utilized as floating springs, which may allow for much greater lateral movement and therefore greater dissipation of energy. 
         [0060]    The swept springs may be comprised of any number of materials including as noted above, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET) or copolymers thereof, polypropylene or polypropylene copolymerized with ethylene, or polypropylene mixed with ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), nylon composites with carbon fiber, graphene, carbon nanotubes and other 2-D materials. Moreover, it is anticipated in contemplated that arch spring may be comprised of other material such as graphing, 2-D material, and/or polymers to produce thermally and electrically conductive components. Other potential materials include, but are not limited to, memory metals, advanced ceramics, conductive plastics, conductive foam and non-Newtonian materials which in their raw state flow freely when moved slowly, but on shock, lock together to absorb and disperse energy. The most beneficial materials, however, may not be in one but rather a combination of several. As mentioned earlier, the use of epoxy resins mixed with fibers give us the best of toughness and durability while also allowing for the addition of other materials to handle conductivity, heat transference and noise dampening. 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , it can be seen that swept spring may be comprised of any combination of materials. With reference to figure for a swept spring  40  may be formed of a square tubular structure  41 , which may include hollow cavity  42 . These two components  41 ,  42  may each be used for various purposes. For example, external component  41  may provide electrical conductivity between and amongst various sensors and/or processors. Material that may be placed in cavity  42  may be used to provide structural support and/or to mechanically resist impact forces. Similarly, the selection of material may provide for different properties of the swept spring at various temperatures. Alternatively, swept spring  40  may be left with an empty cavity  42 . Cavity  42  may be filled with any number of materials that may provide for specific tuning of flexibility and/or stiffness, as well as conductive properties. 
         [0062]    As noted above with regard to the arch spring, the slept spring may have any shape and/or size that is suitable for its application. For example, a swept spring and pedestal bases may have a thickness of approximately 1.587 mm, and an overall length are meant to end of approximately 53.59 mm. With such a configuration, the overall width may be 6.35 mm. For swept springs with a hollow center, it is anticipated that the thickness of the outer portion may be approximately 0.16 mm. However a wide range of sizes, including up to feet in length and width, may allow the assembly to be configured for specific applications. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIG. 4B , rather than having a separate hollow cavity in the center of the spring material, the swept spring  40  may be comprised of at least three portions  43 ,  44 ,  45  sandwiched together. The three portions may be comprised of various materials in order to imbue the swept spring  40  with various physical, mechanical, electrical, and/or thermal, characteristics. 
         [0064]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a pedestal base  50  that may be used with a swept spring will now be discussed. Pedestal base  50  may be comprised of a base portion  51 , which may be of any shape or size. With reference to  FIG. 5 , base portion  51  may have a substantially round disc like shape that may have a slot  52  cut into it. Slot  52 , may include a larger area  53  that may be keyed to accept the swept spring. The dimensions of the slot may be sufficient to allow movement of the swept spring during impact force, but to otherwise maintain sufficient rigidity of the overall assembly. It is contemplated that the base portion  51  may include an embedded sensor, such as a touch sensor or proximity sensor, which may determine the location of the end of the swept spring. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the base portion  51  may also include a plug into which the swept spring may be inserted, which may provide both physical connection and electric connection. 
         [0065]    Note that in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, pedestal  50  may further comprise a hollow cavity that may be designed to a, a multiple sensors. For example, physiological sensors for the detection of heart-rate, breathing-rate, temperature, and the EEG sensors for detecting brain wave activity may be disposed within the cavity. 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an assembly  60  of a swept spring with two pedestals will now be discussed. Assembly  60  may generally comprise a swept spring  61  and two pedestals  62 . Slept spring  61  may comprise proximate and distal substantially flat portions  63  which may be inserted into slots and pedestal  62 . Note that upon insertion a gap  64  may still remain between the end of the swept spring and the pedestal. This may allow for lateral movement of the swept spring, upon receipt of impact force. Also note that in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, various sensors may be positioned in the slot of the pedestal in order to determine and detect when the end of the swept spring is latterly moved upon application of force. 
         [0067]    With reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  a four way pedestal base  70  will now be discussed. Pedestal base  70  may be comprised of a base material  71  and into which four (4) channels  72  may be disposed. Each of the four (4) channels  72  may be keyed to a specific slot size  73  in order to receive swept springs. In addition, pedestal base  70  may further comprise a single center sensor  74 , which may be triggered upon lateral movement of any of the four assembled swept springs. 
         [0068]    With reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B  assembly of a swept spring into a four-way pedestal base can be seen. Swept spring  81  may comprise proximate and distal ends  82  which may be substantially flat. Substantially flat proximate and distal ends  82  may be inserted into slots  84  which may be located in base pedestal  83 . Upon application of force to the arch of the swept spring  81 , the substantially flat portion  82  may move laterally with in base pedestal  83 , thereby contacting or otherwise triggering center sensor  85 . 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B  it can be seen that swept springs and pedestal bases may be used to create a repeating structure  90 . Repeating structure  90  may be comprised of a plurality of a swept springs  91  and a plurality of pedestal bases  92 . 
         [0070]    It is contemplated that swept springs in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may take any shape or size. For example, with reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a swept spring  100  may include three legs. Slept spring  100  may comprise three legs  101 , each connected to a flat center section  102 . The distal end of each leg  101  may be formed into a substantially flat section  103  for insertion into a base pedestal. 
         [0071]    Similarly, with reference to  FIG. 11  a swept spring  110  may be formed with four legs. Swept spring  110  may comprise four legs  111  each with a distal substantially flat portion  112  that may be inserted into a base pedestal. Each of four legs  111  may be connected at a substantially flat center portion  113 . As noted above, substantially flat center portion  113  may be used to mount various sensors. 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , a swept spring  120  may be formed with six legs. Swept spring  120  may comprise six legs  121  each with a distal substantially flat portion  122 . Substantially flat portions  122  may be configured to be inserted into a slot and a base pedestal. Each of legs  121  may meet in the center at a substantially flat portion  123 , onto which a sensor may be mounted. 
         [0073]    The swept springs as shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 , may be utilized with various pedestal bases in order to form repeating structures similar to that shown in  FIG. 9 . In such arrangements, pedestal bases may be required to have numerous slots in order to receive the various legs of the arch springs. The larger number of legs in a swept spring, the greater the impact force that may be resisted by each spring component. Accordingly, the number of spring legs in an assembly may be selected based upon the specific application, and anticipated amount of force to be received. 
         [0074]    Sensors 
         [0075]    Note that both the swept spring and the base pedestals may house different types of sensors depending upon specific use scenarios, and the size of sensors. For example, the swept spring arch may contain an accelerometer to allow for the detection of impact force indicating strength and direction, while larger EEG sensors may be positioned within the pedestals. Moreover, in the case of EEG sensors, each base foot pedestal may contain an electrode at its bottom surface to allow the least possible distance between the subject head and the electrode. 
         [0076]    It is also contemplated by the present invention that the swept spring and or the pedestal may include a transceiver for delivering signals of impact and impact details (location, amount of force, direction) to a processing and/or recording system. 
         [0077]    Unlike the arch spring embodiments discussed above, the swept spring embodiment may be designed for active impacted dissipation in addition to energy harvesting in order to power sensors. A piezoelectric device or a material with piezoelectric properties may be employed in either the swept-spring arch or pedestal. For example, a piezoelectric device may be placed inside the foot pedestal that may generate an electrical pulse. Such electric impulse may be used not only to indicate that an impact force has been received, but also to provide power to various sensors embedded within the assembly. 
         [0078]    In the case of active energy dissipation, it is anticipated that the materials from which the swept springs are comprised may have variable mechanical resistive forces. For example, a swept spring may be comprised at least in part of a memory material, which when no electrical current is applied, may have a certain bulk modulus. However, upon application of electric current, the material may seek to return to a specific shape, which may be in direct opposition of the spring shape. Accordingly, through internal tension the effective bulk modulus of the spring may be increased. In this manner, upon receiving first indication of an impact force, surrounding spring elements may be configured to have greater or less resistive forces, in order to receive the initial impact force and spread it amongst a larger region. 
         [0079]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , an arch spring  130  may be seen. Arch spring  130  may include an arch  131  and two bases  132 . A sensor  133  may be positioned on the bottom of base  132 . It is contemplated that sensor  133  may interact with a processor either wirelessly, or through various electrical leads communication wires  134 . 
         [0080]    With reference to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , a sensor  143  may be positioned within a pedestal base  141 . Pedestal base  141  may include a slot  142  as discussed above. Sensor  143  may be positioned on pedestal base  141  at the termination of slot  142 . In this manner, as can be seen from  FIG. 14B , upon lateral movement of a spring with in slot  142 , sensor  143  may be triggered. It is also anticipated that a sensor may be positioned on the end of spring  144 , as opposed to, or in addition to, sensor  143 . 
         [0081]    As noted above, a pedestal base may comprise a sensor. In the case of a four way pedestal base  151 , a sensor  152  may be centrally located. Such central location may permit a single sensor to determine motion from at least four springs. 
         [0082]    Know that while EEG and piezoelectric sensors have been discussed above, it is contemplated that any type of sensor or sensing device may be placed upon springs and/or pedestal bases. Additional types of sensors may include, but are not limited to: vibration seismometers, current sensors, galvanometer, Hall Effect sensors, metal detectors, accelerometers, linear variable differential transformers, piezoelectric accelerometers, position sensors, variable reluctance sensors, force gauge and force sensors, load cells, strain gauges, proximity sensors, and/or touch switches. In addition, it is also contemplated that deflection upon receipt of an impact force may also cause conductive properties of the spring materials to change, and therefore changes in resistive and/or conductive properties of a spring or a spring assembly, may also indicate receipt of force. 
         [0083]    With reference to  FIG. 16 , a general system  160  is depicted. System  160  may be a passive system that may detect, deflect, absorb, and sends impact forces. System  160  may generally comprise one or more spring base assemblies  161  in electrical communication with a processor  162 . Processor  162  may include or otherwise be electrical connection with a data store  163 . Processor  162  may receive various inputs from sensors positioned within, on, or proximate two, spring base assemblies  161 , and may determine the location, severity, and/or direction of impact forces. Upon determination of impact force details, processor  162  may send such information to data store  163  for later use. Data store  163  may comprise any type of memory device including but not limited to a hard drive, nonvolatile RAM, disk drive, flash memory, and/or any other type of memory system. 
         [0084]    With reference to  FIG. 17 , an exemplary system  170  will now be discussed. Exemplary system  170  may generally comprise a plurality of springs  171  coupled with a plurality of bases  172  accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, springs  171  and bases  172  may also be utilized to transmit sensor readings throughout the network. A processor  173  may be electrically connected to springs  171  at any location. Processor  173  may receive electrical communication throughout the network, based on which processor  173  may determine the location, extent, and direction, of any impact forces. 
         [0085]    With reference to  FIG. 18 , an active response system  180  may be seen. Active response system  180  may comprise a plurality of active spring components  181 , electrically connected to a processor  182 , which in turn may be connected to a data store  183 . As before, data store  183  may be configured to store information related to any forces received by active spring components  181 . Processor  182  may receive information from active spring components  181 , and upon determination of a location, extent, and direction of force, may provide electrical inputs back to active spring components  181  in real time (or substantially real-time) such that active spring components  181  may work together to resist and otherwise deflect and/or absorb impact force. 
         [0086]    With reference to  FIG. 19  system  190  will now be discussed. System  190  may comprise a plurality of subsystems  191 . Subsystems  191  may in turn comprise a plurality of active spring components  192 , as well as processors  193  and data stores  194 . Each of subsystems  191  may communicate with a general processor  195 . As before processor  195  may be in communication with the data store  196 . 
         [0087]    In system  190 , it is contemplated that subsystems  191  may be indirect electrical communication with processor  195 , or may be in wireless communication with processor  195 . Processor  195  may receive inputs from any of subsystems  191 , and therefore any constituent spring components  192  of subsystems  191 , in may provide active response to any subsystem  191 . For example, in the case of body armor, upon receipt of an impact force from any single body armor, active systems within body armors of nearby troops may be activated. 
         [0088]    Various materials were discussed above which may have different characteristics under different conditions. For example, arch springs may be made from memory material which in an ambient state may be relatively flexible. Accordingly, clothing, liners, and/or body armor made from such material may be in a flexible and therefore comfortable state until triggered. Once processor  195  receives communication of an impact force on any body armor within the system  190 , processor  195  may activate all body armor to be triggered into its protective state. To do so, processor  195  may communicate back to subsystems  191  alerting subsystems  191  to provide the current, or other necessary circumstances to actively respond to force. Note that force may not be received into each small subsystems  191  at this time. However, by activating subsystems  191  in constituent component springs  192 , and the later received force may be more effectively deflected, absorbed, and/or dissipated. 
         [0089]    In addition to processor  195  triggering active response of subsystems  191  based upon a received impact force, it is also contemplated the processor  195  may instruct subsystems  191  to achieve an active state based upon other criteria. For example, in the case of sporting events, football pads helmets and/or other protective devices may be in an active state until a certain time. In this scenario, as the players approach line into their Crouch, the system may be activated causing the pads, helmets, in other protective devices to be in an active state. Once play has ceased, the system may return the components to an inactive and therefore more comfortable state. In addition to providing for comfort of the players, such periodic activation of the system may also assist in recording active plays only in data store  196 , as opposed to recording long periods of inactivity. 
         [0090]    With reference to  FIGS. 20-22 , systems in accordance with the present invention may be embedded within various products. With reference to  FIG. 20 , body armor  200  will be discussed. Body armor  200  may comprise a general chest section  201  that may be worn by a user. Inside chest section  201 , a chain mail of spring devices and base pedestals may be disposed. In addition, a processing unit and/or communication unit  203  may be positioned in a nonessential portion of the body armor  200 . Processing unit and/or communication unit  203  may be utilized to communicate with a processor in order to both record of events, and in the case of an active system, cause other associated body armor to respond. 
         [0091]    With reference to  FIGS. 21A and 21B  a football helmet  210  may be seen. Helmet  210  may include under a shell  211  a network of spring devices and base pedestals. In addition, helmet  210  may further comprise unit  213 , which may record, process, or actively respond to force impacts received. 
         [0092]    With reference to  FIG. 22 , a flooring system  220  may be seen. Flooring system  220  may comprise a substrate  221  and a flooring surface  223 . Same as between substrate  221  and flooring surface  223  may be a layer comprising a network of spring devices and pedestals. In this manner, impact on flooring system  220  may be deflected, absorbed, sensed, and recorded. 
         [0093]    It will be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein are exemplary only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matter described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense, and that the scope of the invention will be solely determined by the appended claims.