US 10,602,927, filed under application 16/351,326 and issued on March 24, 2020, introduces a system developed by Dr. Wesley W.O. Krueger for measuring head impacts based on ocular performance, integrated into a faceguard. This innovation utilizes eye-tracking technology embedded in sports faceguards (e.g., football, hockey) to monitor eye movements and pupil responses in real-time, detecting concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with high accuracy. Validated through NIH-supported research, the platform-agnostic system provides immediate data for player safety, leveraging Dr. Krueger’s expertise in neurotology and head trauma. This patent marks a foundational step in his faceguard-related IP, with potential enhancements in later patents.
Potential Applications
Contact Sports Safety: Detects concussions in real-time for players in faceguard-required sports (e.g., football, hockey), preventing secondary injuries and permanent neurologic damage.
Military Combat Protection: Adapts faceguard technology for combat helmets to assess blast-induced TBIs in special operations or field personnel.
Industrial Safety: Monitors head impacts for workers in high-risk environments (e.g., construction, manufacturing), reducing injury-related costs.
Emergency Medical Response: Supports paramedics and ER staff in assessing TBI severity post-accident, aiding triage decisions.
Rehabilitation Monitoring: Tracks recovery progress in rehab facilities for TBI patients, guiding return-to-activity protocols.
Potential Users
Athletes: 3.3 million U.S. and 6 million+ global players in faceguard-required contact sports (e.g., NFL, NHL), plus millions in non-faceguard sports.
Military Personnel: Special ops, infantry, and pilots exposed to blast or impact injuries (1.3M active-duty U.S. forces).
Industrial Workers: Construction and manufacturing employees (e.g., 10M+ in safety-sensitive U.S. roles) at risk of head trauma.
Emergency Responders: Paramedics, ER doctors, and rehab therapists handling TBI cases (5–60 million annual non-sport TBIs globally).
Coaches and Trainers: Sports staff managing player safety across 10+ global leagues.
Potential Buyers or Licensees
Sports Equipment Manufacturers: Riddell and Bauer ($50M–$80M licensing) could integrate into helmets/faceguards, targeting the $200M–$300M sports safety market.
Defense Contractors: Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems ($50M–$70M licensing) may adapt for military gear, leveraging the DoD’s $11.7B R&D budget (2025).
Big Tech: Apple (R&D $26B) and Meta (R&D $10B+) could license for Vision Pro or Quest AR/VR safety features ($20M–$50M), aligning with the $635.82B wearable market (2034).
Medical Device Companies: Medtronic and Philips ($30M–$50M licensing) could enhance TBI diagnostics and rehab tools.
Sports Leagues/Organizations: NFL, NHL, and FIFA ($40M–$60M licensing) could mandate for player safety, generating recurring revenue.
Market Appeal and Valuation
This patent targets a $15B–$20B global market for sports safety and TBI management, with a per-patent value of $25M–$80M (average $52.5M), reflecting its pioneering role in faceguard technology. Licensing fees could range from $40M–$80M per deal (e.g., per league or contractor), with royalties (1–5%) adding $10M–$20M annually. Within Dr. Krueger’s 20-patent portfolio, valued at US$750M–$1.68B, this patent contributes significantly, with an upside to US$2.5B–$3B, enhanced by its synergy with sideline and rehab applications.
Investment Rationale
US 10,602,927 offers a compelling appeal by disrupting traditional concussion protocols (e.g., 15-minute SCAT5 tests) with a rapid, objective, and integrated solution. Its faceguard integration generates substantial downstream revenue, aligning with big tech’s health tech push, DoD safety priorities, and sports industry demands. Potential buyers or licensees can leverage its validated efficacy and scalability to lead in athlete and worker safety innovation.