Inactive

This purchase is part of the CDC/NIOSH LQMS Lab Modernization funding effort led by Sam Glover. ODIT completed a high-level review for approval of this item in late January. Our existing drop tower wa... This purchase is part of the CDC/NIOSH LQMS Lab Modernization funding effort led by Sam Glover. ODIT completed a high-level review for approval of this item in late January. Our existing drop tower was built in 2014. Its mechanical system, instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) system, and software are out of date. Some helmet manufacturers have newer helmet drop tower capabilities than NIOSH’s drop tower, such as automated data acquisition and mechanized lift systems. NIOSH’s cutting-edge research would only be possible with state-of-the-art testing equipment. A newly funded NORA study, “Air-Bubble Cushioning Liners to Improve Construction Helmet Shock Performance (FY23-FY26)", needs this state-of-the-art research equipment to improve the quality of data collection. Four major components of the helmet drop tower are needed to improve the quality of data collection. First, an automation of the drop tower monorail will be installed to match the more sophisticated ANSI compliant systems that the study’s helmet manufacturer collaborators have. Second, an upgraded DAQ system in both hardware and software is needed to collect and control data acquisition at higher frequency rates and in three directions. Having a stand-alone DAQ system will also make sure any future upgrades or repairs can easily be accomplished – an issue that has caused delays in the past. Third, the upgraded drop tower, a new data collection process, and equipment automation will provide for safer and more accurate data collection.