Crash Detecting Helmet (using Cpx Board)
by leggless dinosor in Circuits > Wearables
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Crash Detecting Helmet (using Cpx Board)
![IMG_2424.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FFG/U4QU/LX0ETRAD/FFGU4QULX0ETRAD.jpg&filename=IMG_2424.jpg)
we will be creating a crash-detecting helmet powered by a cpx board.
Supplies
- Adafruit Circuit Playground Express (CPX)
- Accelerometer (integrated in CPX)
- Bicycle helmet
- USB cable for CPX
- Battery pack for CPX
- tape
- Hot glue gun or strong adhesive
Plan
![Screenshot 2024-06-04 at 23.40.26.png](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FLN/ZBTY/LX0ETRAK/FLNZBTYLX0ETRAK.png&filename=Screenshot 2024-06-04 at 23.40.26.png)
![Screenshot 2024-06-04 at 23.40.18.png](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FBJ/L7NP/LX0ETRAP/FBJL7NPLX0ETRAP.png&filename=Screenshot 2024-06-04 at 23.40.18.png)
In the early stages, I decided to have two designs one for an American football helmet and one for a bicycle helmet. I decided on the latter option as it was easier for my time frame and less crucial that I get all of the calculations perfectly correct.
Prepare the Helmet:
![IMG_2423.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FK6/W1VR/LX0ETRAG/FK6W1VRLX0ETRAG.jpg&filename=IMG_2423.jpg)
- Mount the CPX Board:
- Find a suitable spot inside the helmet to place the CPX board, ensuring it won't interfere with wearing the helmet.
- Use hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) or hot glue to secure the CPX board inside the helmet.
Connect the Battery Pack:
![IMG_2425.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F45/I9CF/LX0ETRAA/F45I9CFLX0ETRAA.jpg&filename=IMG_2425.jpg)
Connect the Battery Pack:
- Attach the battery pack to the CPX and secure it inside the helmet.
- Ensure the battery pack is firmly attached and does not move around.
Write the Code:
![Screenshot 2024-06-04 at 23.40.36.png](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F82/EE87/LX0ETRAV/F82EE87LX0ETRAV.png&filename=Screenshot 2024-06-04 at 23.40.36.png)
- Open Arduino IDE or Mu Editor.
- I used the Make Code Adafruit code editor
- main points needed
- calibrate accelerometer, 10000 mg= 1 g
- calculate the force needed for a concussion
- next, i calculated the force needed to cause concussion (100 g) create the lighting on the board with a concution being fully red and each of the lowerstages being one pixle less red
- then for each of the lower stages create the force needed to cross the threshold. this can be kind of random but still needs to be estimated.
Upload the Code
- Connect the CPX board to your computer using the USB cable and upload the code
Test the Setup:
![FFGU4QULX0ETRAD.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F4D/N41F/LX0ETRF4/F4DN41FLX0ETRF4.jpg&filename=FFGU4QULX0ETRAD.jpg)
- Wear the helmet and simulate different impacts by tapping it lightly and then harder.
- Observe the NeoPixels on the CPX board to ensure they light up when a significant force is detected.
Adjust Threshold and Response:
- If needed, adjust the force threshold in the code
- Modify the NeoPixel response or add other responses (e.g., sound) based on your preferences.
Optional Enhancements:
- Add a Buzzer:
- Connect a small buzzer to one of the CPX's output pins and modify the code to produce a sound when a force is detected.