PLEASE READ THIS!
MIPS is a simple technology but can be hard to describe.
To minimize legal risks please use the texts provided in this
document. There is an introduction and then five versions of
descriptions. They differ in length so please read through the full
document.
These texts have been approved by our lawyers so do not change
the language in any way. If you feel you must do so please contact
us for an approval before using any substituted or edited text.
Please do not under any circumstances statethat Mips makes
the helmet XX percent safer then any other helmet! Please
also do not under any circumstances state that MIPS prevents
or reduces concussions.
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STOCKHOLM 2015-09-18
Intro
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a revolutionary patented
technology. MIPS is a low friction layer between the head and the helmet that provides
added protection with respect to angled impacts.
Look for the yellow MIPS logo to ensure that you are wearing a helmet with MIPS
technology!
Mimicking the brain
MIPS is a patented brain protection system and comes from years of studying the
human brain. The brain is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid that protects it by
allowing it to slide when exposed to an angled impact. Mimicking the cerebrospinal
fluid, MIPS adds a low friction layer between the helmet and the head. This reduces the
rotational violence otherwise transmitted to the brain. The combination of the brain’s
own protection and MIPS provides better protection from angled impacts.
MIPS applied….
Reports of head and brain injuries in action sports have become increasingly common.
Continuous development and improvement of equipment and training have quickened
the pace of sports, creating a need for improved brain protection. In any collision or fall
there is a high risk of rotational forces impacting the brain. By adding the MIPS Low Friction
layer to the helmet you add protection from those angled impacts.
Thanks to years of research and development MIPS can be utilized in most helmets
without interfering or take away from any other technical features, comfort or design.
Cutting edge technology…
MIPS was developed by some of the world’s leading researchers in biomechanics and
neuroscience at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and the Karolinska Institute in
Sweden.
MIPS is raising the bar by offering enhanced safety and protection from rotational
forces to the brain,.
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How to describe MIPS
1. Shortest Version
MIPS is a patented technology that adds a low friction layer between the head and the
helmet developed to add protection by reducing the rotational violence to the brain on
angled impacts.
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2. Shorter Version
MIPS is a patented technology that adds a low friction layer between the head and the
helmet, developed to reduce rotational violence to the brain on angled impacts.
Conventional helmets are tested by dropping them vertically onto a flat surface and
they are designed with that testing in mind. MIPS is designed to deal with how most
accidents occur, with angled impacts to the head. MIPS changes the way we think about
helmet safety.
Red = High Strain
The graphic was generated using a finite element computer model based on
measurements obtained from nine accelerometers in a Hybrid III crash test dummy
head. The dummy head wearing a helmet was subjected to an angled impact using the
MIPS test rig. The model illustrates strain in the brain from a similar angled impact
when the dummy head is wearing a helmet without MIPS and a helmet with MIPS.
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3. Short Version
This helmet is equipped with the MIPS low friction layer.
MIPS is a patented brain protection system developed to reduce rotational violence
causing strain to the brain at angled impacts. MIPS mimics the brain’s own protection
system and by adding a low friction layer between the head and the helmet. A helmet
with MIPS can absorb more energy from an angled impact.
Conventional helmets are tested by dropping them vertically onto a flat surface. MIPS is
designed and tested for reality, reflecting how most accidents occur, with angled
impacts to the head. MIPS raises the bar for helmet safety.
Red = High Strain
The graphic was generated using a finite element computer model based on
measurements obtained from nine accelerometers in a Hybrid III crash test dummy
head. The dummy head wearing a helmet was subjected to an angled impact using the
MIPS test rig. The model illustrates strain in the brain from a similar angled impact
when the dummy head is wearing a helmet without MIPS and a helmet with MIPS.
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4. Medium long Version
MIPS adds protection against rotational violence
There are now many styles of helmets to choose from, old and new, but only the new
generation of helmets is equipped with the MIPS (Multi Directional Impact Protection
System) Low Friction Layer. MIPS is a revolutionary technology that lets the head slide
relative to the helmet, adding more protection against rotational violence to the brain
caused by angled impacts. To identify the new generation of helmets, look for the little
yellow MIPS logo.
MIPS is based on reality
Most helmets are tested only by dropping them vertically onto a flat surface. MIPS
technology is the hard-earned result of over 19 years of studies and testing by
some of the world’s leading researchers and brain surgeons, based on reality. Because in
reality when you fall, your head usually hits the ground at an angle, creating a rotational
force that leads to strain in the brain. With the MIPS Low Friction Layer inside, the helmet
can absorb more of that rotational violence, adding better protection than helmets not
equipped with MIPS.
Mimicking the brain
The secret behind MIPS’ patented technology derives from the human brain. The brain
is surrounded by a low-friction cushion of cerebrospinal fluid that protects it by
allowing it to slide slightly on impact. MIPS imitates the brain’s way of protecting itself
by giving the helmet its own low-friction layer between the outer shell and the liner.
This layer also slides to absorb a portion of the energy created by an angled impact and
can reduce the rotational violence otherwise transmitted to your brain.
The combination of the brain’s own protection and MIPS therefore provides more
protection than a helmet without MIPS technology.
- Very simple and very effective.
MIPS reduces strain to the brain
The MIPS patented technology was developed by some of the world’s leading
researchers in biomechanics and neuroscience at the Royal Institute of Technology
(KTH) and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
Strain level images from lab tests where two identical helmets, one with MIPS and one
without, were tested at the same speed show a clear difference. The more red the more
strain to the brain. A helmet with MIPS reduces the rotational violence transmitted to
the brain.
To make sure that a helmet is equipped with the added protection provided by the MIPS
Low Friction Layer, make sure to look for the small yellow MIPS logo.
.
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Red = High Strain
The graphic was generated using a finite element computer model based on
measurements obtained from nine accelerometers in a Hybrid III crash test dummy
head. The dummy head wearing a helmet was subjected to an angled impact using the
MIPS test rig. The model illustrates strain in the brain from a similar angled impact
when the dummy head is wearing a helmet without MIPS and a helmet with MIPS.
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What happens on impact?
When the head is subjected to an angled impact, the brain slides along a membrane on
the inner surface of the skull, which reduces the rotational violence transmitted to the
brain. This feature was copied and technically resolved to create the MIPS Patented
Brain Protection System. It is a low friction layer between the head and helmet which in
experimental and numerical tests, has shown a reduction of the forces to the brain.
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Protection in all helmet categories.
In a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System the shell and the liner are separated by a
low friction layer. When a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System is subjected to an
angled impact, the low friction layer allows the helmet to slide relative to the head. The
MIPS technology doesn’t interfere with other properties of helmets, design and comfort.
MIPS possesses the know-how concerning methods of manufacturing the low friction
layer. The MIPS Brain Protection System is patented.
A helmet with the MIPS Brain Protection System offers better protection against
rotational violence than one without MIPS. Since 1996 research and tests have been
performed to compare a helmet with the MIPS Brain Protection System to a
conventional helmet. The results showed that it was possible to reduce the rotational
violence transmitted to the brain by adding the MIPS Brain Protection System.
State of the art knowledge
MIPS possesses state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the causes of head and neck
injuries , resulting from the combined experience of 30 years of scientific research in the
field. Besides the MIPS Brain Protection System the owners of MIPS have, together with
the Royal Institute of Technology, developed an advanced computerized finite element
model of the head and neck that can be used for injury prediction in impact simulations.
This model is used to test and optimize the protective properties of safety helmets with
MIPS.
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5. Long Version
MIPS adds protection against rotational violence
There are now many styles of helmets to choose from, old and new, but only the new
generation of helmets is equipped with the MIPS (Multi Directional Impact Protection
System) Low Friction Layer. MIPS is a revolutionary technology that lets the head slide
relative to the helmet, adding more protection against rotational violence to the brain
caused by angled impacts. To identify the new generation of helmets with MIPS
inside, look for the little yellow MIPS logo.
MIPS is based on reality
Conventional helmets are tested by dropping them vertically onto a flat surface. MIPS
has evolved through study and testing in Sweden since 1996 by some of the world’s
leading researchers and brain surgeons, based on reality. In reality when you fall, your
head usually hits the ground at an angle, creating a rotational violence that leads to
strain in the brain. With MIPS, the helmet can absorb a portion of that rotational violence,
offering you better protection.
Mimicking the brain
The secret behind MIPS’ patented technology comes from the human brain. The brain is
surrounded by a low-friction cushion of cerebrospinal fluid. MIPS mimics the brain’s
own way of protecting itself by giving the MIPS-equipped helmet its own low-friction
layer between the helmet and the head. The MIPS low friction layer can absorb a portion
of the energy created by an angled impact by enabling the helmet to slide relative to the
head on impact. The combination of the brain’s own protection and MIPS therefore
offers one of the highest levels of protection from rotational violence currently on the
market.
Very simple and very effective.
MIPS reduces strain to the brain
The MIPS patented technology was developed by some of the world’s leading
researchers in biomechanics and neuroscience at the Royal Institute of Technology
(KTH) and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. MIPS is creating a new standard for
helmets by testing for angled impact and adding protection from rotational violence.
Strain level images from lab tests where two identical helmets, one with MIPS and one
without, are tested at the same speed shows a clear difference. The more red the more
strain to the brain. A helmet with MIPS reduces the rotational violence transmitted to
the brain.
To make sure that a helmet is equipped with the added protection provided by the MIPS
Low Friction Layer, make sure to look for the small yellow MIPS logo.
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Red = High Strain
The graphic was generated using a finite element computer model based on
measurements obtained from nine accelerometers in a Hybrid III crash test dummy
head. The dummy head wearing a helmet was subjected to an angled impact using the
MIPS test rig. The model illustrates strain in the brain from a similar angled impact
when the dummy head is wearing a helmet without MIPS and a helmet with MIPS.
Add something that makes a difference
Accident statistics show that many injuries occur due to angled impact to the head.
However, in standard helmet tests the helmet is dropped vertically onto a flat impact
surface. The results are helpful for measuring precise vertical impacts, but far inferior
for measuring the more realistic scenario of an angled impact.
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) has been developed for reality and
increases protection against angled impacts. The Low Friction MIPS layer is easy to
implement in any type of helmet, offers a competitive advantage over non-MIPS helmets
and make it possible to provide customers with added protection against rotational
violence.
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What happens on impact?
The MIPS Brain Protection System mimics one of the safety systems already existing in
the human head. When the head is subjected to an impact, the brain slides along a
membrane on the inner surface of the skull, which reduces the rotational violence forces
transmitted to the brain. This feature was copied and technically resolved to create the
MIPS Brain Protection System, which in tests, has shown a reduction of the rotational
violence and strain to the brain.
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Increased Protection in helmets.
In a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System the shell and the liner are separated by a
low friction layer. When a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System is subjected to an
angled impact, the low friction layer allows the helmet to slide relative to the head. The
MIPS technology doesn’t interfere with other properties of helmets, style and comfort..
MIPS possesses know-how concerning methods of manufacturing the low friction layer.
The MIPS Brain Protection System is patented.
A helmet with the MIPS Brain Protection System offers better protection against
rotational violence than without MIPS. Since 1996 development and experimental tests
have been performed to compare a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System to a
conventional helmet. The results have proven it is possible to reduce the rotational
violence to the brain by adding the MIPS Brain Protection System.
The combination of the brain’s own design and the groundbreaking MIPS Brain
Protection System ensures one of the highest levels of protection currently available on
the market. Very simple and very effective.
The test results speak for themselves.
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MIPS protective properties are shown in this figure, which illustrates the reduction of
rotational acceleration from a conventional helmet to a MIPS-equipped helmet.
Angled impact test
MIPS joined forces with the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm to develop a new
helmet test rig for angled impacts. A Hybrid III dummy head (specially designed to
measure the complex forces that occur in the head during an impact) is fixed in a helmet,
which is placed on a frame. The frame is attached to two pillars and travels with
minimum friction in a vertical direction.
The helmet strikes a plate, which is moving horizontally on two PTF-covered rails. The
plate is accelerated by a pneumatic cylinder. Inside the dummy head, a system of nine
accelerometers are mounted. With this method it is possible to measure linear
accelerations in all directions and rotational accelerations around all axes. Plastic and
glass fiber full-face motorcycle helmets, as well as other sports helmets, have been
tested in this type of angled test rig. A more detailed description of the test rig is given in
the doctoral theses by Halldin 2001 and Aare 2003.
MIPS possesses state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the causes of head and neck
injuries, resulting from the combined experience of 30 years of scientific research in the
field. Besides the MIPS Brain Protection System the owners of MIPS have, together with
the Royal Institute of Technology, developed an advanced computerized finite element
model of the head and neck that can be used for injury prediction in impact simulations.
This model is used to test and optimize the protective properties of safety helmets with
MIPS.
The computerized finite element model is an integral part of verifying that your helmet,
with MIPS inside, delivers higher safety properties and reduces damaging rotational
violence to the brain than the same helmet without MIPS.
Partnership – Our business concept
MIPS provides superior knowledge about how to develop safer helmets to all parts of
the distribution chain on a commercially strategic and practical basis. Together we
collaborate so that you gain access to our expertise in neuronic science & engineering,
technical solutions and consumer insights. We provide full implementation support with
a thorough and sustainable test process including both computer model testing and
experimental tests in the MIPS test rig. We issue an approval on the MIPS Brain
Protection System for each and every MIPS implemented helmet. A combination of our
experienced product managers, closely developed relationships with industrial
designers and great relations with leading helmet producers can be made available upon
request.
References
Aare M. Prevention of head injuries – focusing specifically on angled impacts, Doctoral
Thesis, Division of Neuronic Engineering, School of Technology and Health, Royal
Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. 2003.
Halldin P. Prevention and prediction of head and neck injury in traffic accidents – using
experimental and numerical methods. Doctoral Thesis. Report 2001-1, Department of
Aeronautics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, 2001.
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Kleiven, S. (2006). Evaluation of head injury criteria using an FE model validated against
experiments on localized brain motion, intra-cerebral acceleration, and intra-cranial
pressure. International Journal of Crashworthiness 11 (1), 65-79.
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Illustrations
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