Game Saver: Student Inventor Combats Concussions

Michael Yu
11.Palos Verdes Peninsula High>

At an early age Braeden Benedict developed a liking to science. He even went as far as to compete nationally with his own invention. Now after numerous recognitions and commendations Benedict now 14 is looking at an opportunity to potentially protect student athletes nationwide from detrimental injuries.

A freshman at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Benedict took part in a national competition called the 2011 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge where he competed against nine others at the 3M Innovation center in St. Paul Minn. over the past summer.

Benedict developed a low-cost impact-detecting device which can be installed onto helmets. In cases of serious concussions during a game the coach receives a signal that notifies him of a player's injury immediately thus enabling the player to be pulled out of the game. Using a mechanical sensor rather than an expensive electronic set the invention is aimed towards school contact sports such as football and lacrosse.

After presenting his potential solution for student concussions at the competition Benedict was named winner of the challenge and "America's Top Young Scientist" while receiving a trip to Discovery Student Adventures and $25000.

Benedict later went on to receive several honors back at home as the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors commended the student for his work.

Benedict came across personal conflicts which prompted him to develop protection towards student athletes- two of his former teammates had suffered from serious cases of concussion which led to further internal damage during a match.

"Twice now I've had players who had concussions during games. One player was out of school for a very long time because he couldn't focus and was having trouble" Benedict said.

The damage actually came from not only the impact itself but also the fact that coaches were unable to detect any problems with the student. This inability which has prompted several state laws to take steps to protect student-athletes could now be addressed with Benedict's helmet. As of now Benedict is currently revising his prototype in his Science Research class.

"I hope to take [the invention] up to being a real product although it's going to be a tough process" Benedict said. "There is a ton more to be done in the area of concussions."